What is Chlorobenzene
Analysts Sentiment
Bullish
46.3%
Neutral
31.0%
Bearish
22.7%
What's driving sentiment this week:
Past Week (2026-05-22 to 2026-06-08) — Sentiment: Bullish
China’s East China chlorobenzene spot price rose to 6950 Yuan/mt as of May 22, highlighting disciplined local supply and strong buyer interest that tighten global availability.
Strong price signals in China suggest steady demand momentum supporting chlorobenzene consumption in the region and downstream markets.
There were no significant geopolitical or macro factors impacting chlorobenzene prices directly during this period.
This Week (2026-06-08 to 2026-06-14) — Outlook: Neutral
Chlorobenzene prices should consolidate near current elevated levels absent fresh supply shocks or demand accelerants.
The lack of major new inventory data or policy shifts this week represents the key factor keeping the market subdued.
An unexpected build in regional inventories or rapid downstream demand slowdown could quickly drive prices lower.
Key Market Impact
Supply discipline and robust buyer activity from China are currently driving price firmness and margin support.
Traders and producers are likely to hold current exposure cautiously, waiting for fresh supply cues or demand updates before committing to a directional move.
How About the Price?
Price Trajectory 2020–2026 (Brief Recap)
Phase 1 — Gradual Decline (2020–2026 May): Chlorobenzene prices steadily declined from $1205/ton in January 2020 to $825/ton in May 2026, with no recorded influencing events during this period according to the influence log.
Phase 2 — Sharp Spike (June 8, 2026): An abrupt price increase to $1210/ton was observed, representing a $385/ton jump, though no specific event or factor was logged to explain this spike.
Supply-side factors
- No documented supply-side factors or capacity changes recorded in the influence log from 2020 through May 2026.
Demand-side factors
- No documented demand-side factors or consumption changes recorded in the influence log from 2020 through May 2026.
Substitutes & Alternatives
| Substitute | Replacement Scenario / How It Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Toluene | Used as a drop-in solvent replacement for chlorobenzene in many industrial coating, adhesive, and rubber processing applications where its similar solvency power and boiling point (110°C) are acceptable. Preferred when regulatory restrictions on chlorinated solvents apply, though it has a lower boiling point and slightly different solubility profile. Partial or full replacement depending on the formulation. |
| Xylene (mixed or individual isomers) | Substitutes chlorobenzene as a high-boiling aromatic solvent in paints, coatings, and chemical synthesis where a chlorine-free solvent is required. Boiling range (138–144°C) closely matches chlorobenzene, making it a near drop-in replacement in many solvent applications. Widely used in agrochemical formulations as a chlorobenzene alternative. |
| Dichlorobenzene (ortho- or para-) | In certain synthesis applications requiring a higher-boiling chlorinated aromatic solvent or a more reactive chlorinated intermediate, dichlorobenzene isomers can substitute. Para-dichlorobenzene is used as a moth repellent and deodorant block where chlorobenzene's volatility is insufficient. Requires process adjustment due to different boiling points and reactivity. |
| Nitrobenzene | In some electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions and as a high-boiling polar solvent in chemical synthesis, nitrobenzene can replace chlorobenzene. It is used as an intermediate for aniline production similarly to how chlorobenzene is used for certain amine routes. Substitution is route-specific and requires reformulation of the synthetic pathway. |
| Fluorobenzene | In pharmaceutical and agrochemical synthesis, fluorobenzene can replace chlorobenzene as a halogenated aromatic building block when fluorine substitution is chemically equivalent or preferred for metabolic stability. It is a more expensive specialty substitute used in fine chemical and API manufacturing rather than bulk applications. |
| N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) | As a high-boiling polar solvent, NMP can replace chlorobenzene in polymer processing, coating formulations, and extraction applications where a non-chlorinated, high-solvency solvent is needed. Requires reformulation due to different chemical class and polarity. Increasingly preferred under REACH and EPA solvent substitution programs. |
| Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) | In laboratory-scale and some industrial synthesis applications, DMSO substitutes chlorobenzene as a polar aprotic solvent. It is not a drop-in replacement due to its much higher polarity and water miscibility, but is used when chlorinated solvents are restricted and the reaction medium can be reformulated accordingly. |
Regulatory Status
| Region | Regulation / Policy Name | Issuing Authority | Year (enacted or latest revision) | Key Requirement / Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Hazardous Chemicals (Management) Regulation | MEM | 2002 | Classification and storage requirements for hazardous chemicals in chemical parks | MEM official regulations |
| China | Hazardous Chemicals (Management) Regulation | MEM | 2002 | Management of common hazardous chemical goods storage (GB 15603-1995) | MEM official regulations |
| China | Standards for Pollutants Discharge from Pesticide Manufacturing Industry | MEE | 2023 | VOC emissions including chlorobenzenes regulated as key pollutants | MEE environmental standards |
| China | Standards for Pollutants Discharge from Pesticide Manufacturing Industry | MEE | 2023 | Wastewater discharge standards for pesticide plants using chlorobenzene derivatives | MEE environmental standards |
| EU | REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern | ECHA | 2008 (ongoing updates) | SVHC identification and notification for articles containing chlorobenzene if >0.1% w/w | ECHA REACH |
| EU | REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 | ECHA | 2006 | Registration, evaluation and authorisation for chemical substances including chlorobenzene | ECHA REACH |
| US | Initial List of Hazardous Air Pollutants | US EPA | 1990 (ongoing) | Chlorobenzene designated as HAP under CAA Section 112 | US EPA |
| US | TSCA | US EPA | 2016 | Inventory reporting under 40 CFR Part 710 for chlorobenzene | US EPA |
| US | National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) | US EPA | 1990 | Control of HAP emissions including chlorobenzene from industrial sources | US EPA |
Key Influence Events
Chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl) is an aromatic organochlorine compound consisting of a benzene ring with one hydrogen atom replaced by a chlorine atom. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive almond-like odor, boiling at approximately 132°C and having a density of about 1.11 g/cm³. Industrially, it is produced primarily by the direct chlorination of benzene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as ferric chloride. Chlorobenzene serves as an important intermediate in the manufacture of herbicides (particularly DDT historically, and currently nitrochlorobenzenes used in dyes and agrochemicals), pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, and as a high-boiling solvent in various industrial processes. It is also used as a precursor to phenol and aniline derivatives.
Top Countries Production Capacity
Production Process of Chlorobenzene
Chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl) is an aromatic organochlorine compound consisting of a benzene ring with one hydrogen atom replaced by a chlorine atom. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive almond-like odor, boiling at approximately 132°C and having a density of about 1.11 g/cm³. Industrially, it is produced primarily by the direct chlorination of benzene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as ferric chloride. Chlorobenzene serves as an important intermediate in the manufacture of herbicides (particularly DDT historically, and currently nitrochlorobenzenes used in dyes and agrochemicals), pharmaceuticals, rubber chemicals, and as a high-boiling solvent in various industrial processes. It is also used as a precursor to phenol and aniline derivatives.
Specs & Grades
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Unit | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Chlorobenzene content) | ≥ 99.5 | wt% | Technical / Industrial |
| Purity (Chlorobenzene content) | ≥ 99.8 | wt% | High Purity / Reagent |
| Color (APHA/Hazen) | ≤ 10 | Hazen units | Technical |
| Water content | ≤ 0.05 | wt% | Technical |
| Dichlorobenzene content | ≤ 0.3 | wt% | Technical |
| Dichlorobenzene content | ≤ 0.05 | wt% | High Purity |
| Benzene content | ≤ 0.05 | wt% | Technical |
| Acidity (as HCl) | ≤ 0.001 | wt% | Technical |
| Boiling point | 131.7 | °C | All grades |
| Density at 20°C | 1.105 – 1.107 | g/cm³ | All grades |
| Refractive index (nD20) | 1.524 – 1.526 | — | All grades |
| Flash point (closed cup) | 28 – 29 | °C | All grades |
| Residue on evaporation | ≤ 0.005 | wt% | Reagent / ACS |
Who are the Top Players?
| Company | Headquarters | Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Dow Chemical Company | Midland, Michigan, USA | Midland, Michigan |
| Kureha Corporation | Tokyo, Japan | Nishiki Plant, Nishiki-machi, Iwaki |
| PCC Rokita SA | Brzeg Dolny, Poland | Brzeg Dolny |
| Aarti Industries Limited | Vadodara, Gujarat, India | Vapi, Gujarat |
| SEYA Industries Ltd | Vadodara, Gujarat, India | Vadodara, Gujarat |
| Kumbha Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. | Pune, Maharashtra, India | Kurkumbh, Maharashtra |
Our Analysis are Happy
"Global volatility doesn't have to be a risk for your business. We monitor feedstock shifts and geopolitical trends daily to help you anticipate price movements before they hit the market."
Theo James
"Data is only as good as its source. We go beyond the numbers to ensure that the product grade you select matches your specific application, reducing waste and optimizing your operational efficiency."
Emilia Munro
"Timing is everything in petrochemical procurement. Our goal is to align your purchasing cycles with market troughs, effectively lowering your cost basis and maximizing your margins."
Branden Griffiths
we’re here to all your questions
Everything you need to know about our market analysis, product quality, and procurement process.
How much for a custom market analysis?
Costs vary based on the scope. Please contact our sales team for a custom quote.
Do you offer trade credit or bulk pricing?
Yes, we offer flexible payment terms and volume-based pricing for corporate accounts.
Do you provide product quality documentation?
Yes, every delivery includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and safety documentation (MSDS).
Can you help me select the right product specification?
Certainly. Our technical experts are available to guide you to the ideal grade for your specific application.