3-Nitrobenzoic Acid — CAS 121-92-6
3-Nitrobenzoic Acid — CAS 121-92-6
3-Nitrobenzoic acid (m-NBA, CAS 121-92-6) is a nitroaromatic carboxylic acid and a versatile chemical intermediate across pharmaceutical, polymer, dye, and specialty chemical manufacturing sectors. UAB An Group Export supplies it in technical and synthesis grades, matched to each customer's process and application requirements.
It is used primarily as a synthesis building block where the meta substitution pattern of the nitro and carboxylic acid groups is specifically required — giving it distinct electronic properties and downstream synthesis applications compared to the para isomer. Its non-conjugated nitro-carboxylic acid arrangement makes it the preferred nitrobenzoic acid isomer for synthesis pathways requiring selective reactivity at the meta position, and for polymer and resin applications where para-substituted monomers produce undesirable crystallinity or rigidity.
For qualified industrial buyers, supply is coordinated around grade, purity, volume, packaging, and delivery destination, in line with applicable product and handling regulations. Bulk and commercial orders are both handled — send your requirements and we'll prepare a quote covering supply, packaging, logistics, and delivery.
3-Nitrobenzoic Acid vs. 4-Nitrobenzoic Acid — Which Isomer Do You Need?
3-Nitrobenzoic acid (meta, CAS 121-92-6) and 4-nitrobenzoic acid (para, CAS 62-23-7) are positional isomers with different electronic properties, solubility profiles, and downstream synthesis applications. The meta isomer has a lower melting point (approximately 140–141°C vs. 239–242°C for the para), higher solubility in common organic solvents, and a non-conjugated substitution pattern that makes it preferred for synthesis pathways requiring meta-selective reactivity and for polymer applications where para-substituted monomers produce excessive crystallinity. The para isomer is the dominant commercial isomer for pharmaceutical and dye intermediate synthesis where conjugated electronic activation is required. Both isomers are available from UAB An Group Export — specify your required isomer and downstream synthesis application in your quotation request and we will confirm the appropriate grade and supply option.
Key Applications
Pharmaceutical Intermediate SynthesisUsed as a building block in pharmaceutical synthesis where meta-substituted aromatic scaffolds are required — reduction of the nitro group gives 3-aminobenzoic acid, and the carboxylic acid group can be esterified or converted to amides for a range of pharmaceutical intermediate constructions requiring meta-substitution patterns.
Polymer & Resin ManufacturingUsed as a monomer and crosslinking agent in polyimide, polyamide, and specialty resin production where meta-substituted aromatic monomers are preferred over para isomers for their lower crystallinity and improved processability.
Dye & Pigment ManufacturingUsed as an intermediate in the synthesis of azo dyes and specialty colorants where meta-substituted nitrobenzoic acid scaffolds are required for specific color and application properties.
Agrochemical ManufacturingUsed as a building block in the synthesis of select herbicides and agrochemical active ingredients requiring a meta-nitrobenzoic acid intermediate.
Specialty Chemical SynthesisUsed across a range of organic synthesis applications requiring a meta-substituted nitroaromatic carboxylic acid starting material for selective functionalization through reduction, esterification, amidation, and condensation reactions.
Oxidizing AgentUsed as a mild oxidizing agent in select organic synthesis applications — m-nitrobenzoic acid is a useful oxidant for specific substrate types where stronger oxidizing agents are incompatible.
Supply & Packaging
Supplied according to your required grade and purity, quantity, packaging, and destination. 3-Nitrobenzoic acid is a pale yellow to yellow crystalline solid at room temperature with a melting point of approximately 140–141°C — significantly lower than the para isomer, which is the primary identity confirmation parameter distinguishing the two isomers. As a harmful solid with nitroaromatic characteristics, packaging, transport, and handling are arranged according to applicable dangerous-goods requirements, typically in sealed, moisture-proof drums or bags with appropriate hazmat labeling and documentation.
Storage must be in sealed containers away from heat, reducing agents, strong bases, and incompatible materials. Skin contact and inhalation of dust must be avoided — appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and dust respiratory protection is required during all handling operations.
Product Documentation
Available on request, depending on the specific product and supply arrangement:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS), including nitroaromatic handling and exposure control information
Certificate of Analysis (CoA), including purity, melting point, and color specification
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Product specifications
Dangerous goods declaration
Shipping and transport documentation
Compliance statement:
"All orders are subject to business registration verification and end-use declaration prior to confirmation. Buyers are responsible for verifying that the intended end use and market application comply with all applicable regulations, dangerous-goods handling requirements, and occupational health and safety obligations in their jurisdiction. UAB An Group Export reserves the right to request additional end-use declarations or supporting documentation and to decline any order where end use, destination, or buyer information cannot be adequately confirmed."
Request a Quote
Whether you need 3-nitrobenzoic acid for pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, polymer manufacturing, dye production, agrochemical synthesis, or another qualified industrial purpose, provide your requirements and our team will review the available supply options.
For a quotation, please provide: company name and registration → end-use application and downstream product → required grade and purity → quantity → packaging → delivery country/city or port → required delivery timeframe