Aniline (Phenylamine) – Technical & Commercial Overview

1. Executive Summary Berkeley Trade is a leading distributor of industrial-grade Aniline (also known as Phenylamine or Aminobenzene) for the UK manufacturing sector. Operating strictly under SIC code 46750, we specialize in the bulk procurement, storage, and distribution of this fundamental petrochemical derivative. As one of the most vital chemical building blocks in organic synthesis, our Aniline meets the highest industry standards for purity, consistency, and reactive reliability.
2. Chemical and Physical Profile Aniline (C6H5NH2) is the simplest aromatic amine, consisting of a phenyl group attached to an amino group. Under standard conditions, it presents as a clear, colorless to pale yellowish-brown oily liquid. Upon prolonged exposure to air and light, it slowly oxidizes and darkens.

• CAS Number: 62-53-3
• Molar Mass: 93.13 g/mol
• Density: 1.0217 g/cm³
• Boiling Point: 184.1 °C (363.4 °F)
• Melting Point: -6.3 °C (20.7 °F)
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; fully miscible in alcohol, ether, benzene, and most organic solvents.
• Odor: Characteristic distinct, somewhat musty or fishy aromatic odor.

3. Primary Industrial Applications & Markets Our high-purity Aniline is a critical raw material serving multiple multi-billion-pound industries across the UK and Europe.

• Polyurethane Production (MDI Synthesis): Over 80% of global aniline production is utilized in the synthesis of Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI). MDI is the fundamental precursor for rigid polyurethane foams. These foams are indispensable in modern construction for thermal insulation boards, refrigeration unit linings, and automotive interiors. Berkeley Trade supplies the high-volume, high-purity aniline necessary for continuous MDI synthesis, ensuring our clients experience zero downtime in their polyurethane supply chains.
• Rubber Processing Chemicals: Aniline is the foundational chemical for synthesizing complex rubber processing agents, including vulcanization accelerators and powerful antioxidants (such as diphenylamine derivatives). These additives are critical for the tire manufacturing industry, vastly improving the tensile strength, ozone resistance, and thermal durability of synthetic and natural rubber products.
• Synthetic Dyes and Pigments: Historically the foundation of the synthetic dye industry, aniline remains crucial for manufacturing azo dyes, indigo, and other vivid pigments. These dyes are utilized across the textile, leather, and printing ink industries. Our aniline provides the uncompromised purity required for exact color batching and colorfastness.
• Pharmaceuticals and Agrochemicals: In the life sciences sector, aniline is a precursor to paracetamol (acetaminophen) and a variety of sulfa drugs. In agriculture, it is utilized to synthesize complex herbicides and fungicides that protect modern crop yields.

4. Quality Assurance and Technical Specifications (TDS) Berkeley Trade guarantees that every bulk shipment of Aniline adheres to stringent quality controls. We provide full Certificates of Analysis (CoA) with every delivery.

• Purity (GC): ≥ 99.9%
• Moisture Content: ≤ 0.05%
• Nitrobenzene: ≤ 0.0002%
• Color (Pt-Co): ≤ 50 (at time of shipping)

5. Handling, Storage, and Safety Compliance (UK HSE) Aniline is classified as a highly toxic and environmentally hazardous substance. It requires strict adherence to UK Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

• Toxicity: Toxic via inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. It rapidly absorbs through the skin, leading to methemoglobinemia (reduction of the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity).
• Storage Protocols: Must be stored in sealed, carbon steel or stainless-steel tanks. Copper, brass, and bronze alloys must be avoided as aniline is corrosive to these metals. Tanks should be blanketed with dry nitrogen to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption. Storage facilities must be cool, well-ventilated, and bunded to contain accidental spills.
• PPE: Full-body chemical-resistant suits, heavy-duty neoprene or nitrile gloves, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are mandatory for handlers.

6. Logistics and Bulk Distribution We operate a specialized fleet of ISO tanks and dedicated bulk liquid road tankers equipped with vapor recovery systems. Our logistics network ensures just-in-time delivery across the UK mainland, minimizing your onsite storage burdens while maintaining a continuous pipeline for your manufacturing needs.