4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic Acid

CAS NO.：121-03-9
Empirical Formula: C7H7NO5S
Molecular Weight: 217.2
MDL number: MFCD00024914
EINECS: 204-445-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2025-10-23 17:25:30

What is 4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic Acid?

The Uses of 4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic Acid

5-Nitro-o-toluenesulfonic Acid is a precursor to 4,4''-dinitrostilbene-2,2''-disulfonic acid in fluorescent whitener.

Definition

ChEBI: The arenesulfonic acid that is toluene-2-sulfonic acid bearing a nitro substituent at C-4.

Production Methods

4-Nitrotoluene is sulfonated with 25 % oleum at 60 ℃ and worked up to give a solution of the sodium salt of 2-Methyl-5-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic acid application

4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic acid is an essential intermediate for producing fluorescent whitening agents, thousands of tons of which are manufactured annually. It is used principally as starting material for the production of 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, which in turn is used for the manufacture of a host of fluorescent whitening agents based on cyanuric chloride of the 4,4'-bis([1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino)-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid type. Further substantial amounts of 4-nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic acid are required to synthesize fluorescent whitening agents with other basic structures and of various dyes.

Properties of 4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic Acid

Melting point:	135°C
Boiling point:	500°C (rough estimate)
Density	1.6040 (rough estimate)
vapor pressure	0Pa at 20℃
refractive index	1.6100 (estimate)
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility	Methanol (Slightly), Water (Slightly)
pka	-1.14±0.33(Predicted)
form	Solid
color	Very Dark Brown
Water Solubility	667g/L at 23℃
InChI	InChI=1S/C7H7NO5S/c1-5-2-3-6(8(9)10)4-7(5)14(11,12)13/h2-4H,1H3,(H,11,12,13)
CAS DataBase Reference	121-03-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	Benzenesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-5-nitro- (121-03-9)

Safety information for 4-Nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic Acid

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Corrosion Corrosives GHS05
GHS Hazard Statements	H290:Corrosive to Metals H314:Skin corrosion/irritation H412:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P234:Keep only in original container. P260:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P273:Avoid release to the environment. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P363:Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P390:Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P301+P330+P331:IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P303+P361+P353:IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off Immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower. P405:Store locked up. P406:Store in corrosive resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner.