4-Chloroaniline Explained

4-Chloroaniline is an organochlorine compound with the formula ClC6H4NH2. This pale yellow solid is one of the three isomers of chloroaniline.

Preparation

4-Chloroaniline is not prepared from aniline, which tends to overchlorinate. Instead, it is prepared by reduction of 4-nitrochlorobenzene, which in turn is prepared by nitration of chlorobenzene.[1]

Uses

4-Chloroaniline is used in the industrial production of pesticides, drugs, and dyestuffs. It is a precursor to the widely used antimicrobial and bacteriocide chlorhexidine and is used in the manufacture of pesticides, including pyraclostrobin, anilofos, monolinuron, and chlorphthalim.[2]

4-Chloroaniline exhibits antimicrobial action against some bacteria and molds.[1]

Notes and References

  1. Encyclopedia: Gerald Booth. Nitro Compounds, Aromatic. Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. 2007. Wiley-VCH. Weinheim. 10.1002/14356007.a17_411. 9783527303854 .
  2. Book: Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals . 3rd . 2011 . 1998.