Procurement Report: Aniline (CAS No. 62-53-3)

Product Category: Organic Chemical Intermediate / Aromatic Amine Primary CAS Number: 62-53-3 Chemical Identity: Phenylamine, Aminobenzene

1. Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics

Aniline (C₆H₅NH₂) is a primary aromatic amine characterized by a benzene ring substituted with an amino group. Procurement specifications must focus on purity grades suitable for downstream synthesis, as impurities can significantly affect dye and polymer yields.

• Purity Grades: Typical B2B ranges for industrial supply are 98% to 99.5%. High-purity grades (>99.5%) are required for photographic chemicals and fine chemical synthesis, while 98% is standard for bulk dye manufacturing.
• Physical State: Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid at room temperature.
• Boiling Point: 184°C (Typical range: 183–185°C).
• Flash Point: 79°C (Closed Cup). This indicates a flammable liquid requiring specific storage conditions.
• Vapor Density: Heavier than air (approx. 3.1), leading to potential accumulation in low-lying areas.
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~3.6 g/100 mL at 20°C); miscible with most organic solvents.
• Reactivity Constraints: Incompatible with strong oxidizers (risk of fire/explosion) and strong acids. Forms explosive mixtures with air in the vapor phase.

Procurement Recommendation: Verify the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) explicitly for water content and color stability. For applications involving polyurethanes or dyes, request a specific assay for impurities like nitrobenzene or phenol, which can catalyze unwanted side reactions. Ensure the supplier provides a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) detailing the specific flash point and vapor pressure for your logistics team.

2. Industry Compliance and Quality Assurance

Given the toxic nature of aniline (a known hemolytic agent and carcinogen suspect), compliance is not optional but a critical operational requirement.

• Regulatory Identifiers:
  • CAS RN: 62-53-3
  • EC Number: 200-539-3
• Mandatory Certifications:
  • Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Essential for every batch to verify purity and impurity profiles.
  • BSE/TSE Certificate: Required for any potential downstream application in agricultural or pharmaceutical sectors to ensure no animal-derived contaminants.
  • Certificate of Origin: Critical for customs clearance and trade compliance.
• Safety Signals:
  • Signal Word: Danger (per GHS standards).
  • Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin, or if inhaled. Causes skin irritation and serious eye damage.

Procurement Recommendation: Do not accept shipments without a current CoA and BSE/TSE certificate. Verify that the supplier's packaging meets UN standards for flammable liquids and toxic substances. Ensure the supplier has a documented Emergency Response Plan for spills, as aniline vapor forms explosive mixtures with air.

3. Cost Efficiency and Integration Capabilities

• Packaging Units: Common procurement units range from 1 mL (laboratory scale) to 500 g or 25 kg (industrial scale). Bulk liquid shipments are typically available in ISO tanks or IBC totes.
• MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Typical B2B ranges vary from 500 grams for specialized chemical suppliers to 1 metric ton for direct industrial contracts.
• Lead Time: Standard lead time is 2–4 weeks for domestic shipments; 4–8 weeks for international imports, depending on customs clearance for hazardous materials.
• Integration: Aniline integrates seamlessly into existing chemical synthesis lines for azo dye production and polyurethane foam manufacturing. However, integration requires dedicated corrosion-resistant piping (e.g., stainless steel 316) and vapor recovery systems due to toxicity.

Procurement Recommendation: Negotiate volume discounts for orders exceeding 1 metric ton. When integrating, budget for additional safety infrastructure (vapor scrubbers) rather than expecting the chemical to fit into standard solvent lines. Compare total landed cost (including hazardous waste disposal fees for packaging) rather than just the unit price.

4. Typical Use Cases

Aniline is a foundational building block in the chemical industry. Its primary applications include:

1. Dye Manufacturing: The largest application sector, specifically for the production of azo dyes and pigments.
2. Polyurethane Production: Used as a precursor for MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate), a key component in foams, coatings, and adhesives.
3. Agricultural Chemicals: Synthesis of herbicides and fungicides.
4. Photographic Chemicals: Used in the development of photographic emulsions.
5. Rubber Chemicals: Production of accelerators and antioxidants.

Procurement Recommendation: Align your purity specification with the end-use. For dye manufacturing, 98% purity is often sufficient and cost-effective. For pharmaceutical intermediates or high-performance polyurethanes, specify >99% purity to prevent catalyst poisoning. Verify the supplier's ability to provide "batch-to-batch consistency" data, as this is critical for dye color matching.

5. Long-Term Planning Considerations

• Market Trends: Demand for aniline is tightly coupled with the global construction and automotive sectors (driving polyurethane foam demand) and the textile industry (driving dye demand).
• Regulatory Pressure: Increasing global scrutiny on aromatic amines may lead to stricter handling regulations or substitution mandates in the future. Procurement strategies should include evaluating alternative, less toxic precursors for long-term R&D.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Due to its hazardous classification, shipping disruptions can occur. Diversify suppliers across different geographic regions to mitigate logistics bottlenecks.
• Sustainability: Look for suppliers with green chemistry initiatives or closed-loop manufacturing processes to align with corporate ESG goals.

Procurement Recommendation: Develop a contingency plan for supply chain disruptions by maintaining a 3-month safety stock. Initiate R&D partnerships with suppliers to explore bio-based alternatives or safer synthesis routes. Monitor regulatory updates regarding BSE/TSE and carcinogenicity classifications to avoid future compliance shocks.

6. Special Product Recommendations

The following table compares common procurement options for Aniline based on buyer profile and risk tolerance.

| Product Type | Best-Fit Buyer | Key Specs | Risk Check | Procurement Advice | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- :--- | | Technical Grade (98%) | Dye & Agrochemical Manufacturers | Purity: 98%; Flash Point: 79°C; CAS: 62-53-3 | Moderate (Impurities may affect color) | Ideal for bulk production; verify CoA for nitrobenzene levels. | | Reagent Grade (99%+) | Pharmaceutical & Lab Research | Purity: >99%; Low water content; BSE/TSE Cert | High (Strict purity required) | Essential for fine chemical synthesis; higher cost justified by yield. | | Bulk Liquid (ISO Tank) | Large-Scale Polyurethane Plants | Volume: 20+ MT; Hazard Class: 6.1 | High (Logistics complexity) | Requires on-site storage tanks; negotiate FOB/CFR terms carefully. | | Small Batch (500g) | R&D / Quality Control | Size: 500g; 1ML options available | Low (Volume risk) | Use for initial testing; do not use for scale-up without re-validation. |

Procurement Recommendation: Select Technical Grade (98%) for high-volume dye production to optimize cost. Switch to Reagent Grade only when the application requires strict impurity control (e.g., pharmaceutical intermediates). For large-scale operations, prioritize Bulk Liquid procurement to reduce packaging waste and handling costs, but ensure your facility has the necessary UN-certified storage infrastructure.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Aniline safe to handle in a standard laboratory without special ventilation? A: No. Aniline vapor forms explosive mixtures with air and is toxic via inhalation and skin absorption. It requires a fume hood with active ventilation and PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat) at all times.

Q2: What is the shelf life of Aniline if stored correctly? A: While specific dates vary by supplier, Aniline is stable if kept in tightly sealed containers away from light and oxidizers. However, it may darken (turn yellow/brown) over time due to oxidation. Check the CoA for color specifications before use.

Q3: Can Aniline be shipped via standard air freight? A: Generally, no. Due to its flammability and toxicity (Class 6.1 and Class 3), it is classified as a hazardous material requiring specialized ground or sea transport with specific UN packaging. Air freight is often restricted or requires special permits.

Q4: What certifications are mandatory for importing Aniline? A: You typically require a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), a BSE/TSE Certificate (especially for agricultural/pharma uses), and a Certificate of Origin. Ensure the supplier provides these for every batch.

Q5: How does Aniline react with water? A: Aniline is only slightly soluble in water. It does not react violently with water but can form a separate layer. However, it is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong acids, which can cause dangerous reactions.

Q6: What is the primary hazard associated with Aniline vapor? A: The vapor is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas, creating an explosive mixture with air. It is also highly toxic, causing methemoglobinemia (reduced oxygen carrying capacity in blood) upon exposure.

Q7: Are there specific storage temperature requirements? A: Yes. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Keep away from oxidizers and acids. The flash point is 79°C, so storage areas must be kept well below this temperature to prevent ignition risks.

Q8: How do I verify the purity of a received batch? A: Cross-reference the received batch number with the provided Certificate of Analysis (CoA). If discrepancies are suspected, request an independent third-party test for purity and impurity profile (e.g., nitrobenzene content) before use in critical applications.