National Pollutant Inventory

Substances

4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA): Overview

Description

Methylene bis 2,4 aniline (MOCA) (4,4-) is used to make polyurethane products that are a significant component of many common appliances. These are widely used in such items as gear systems in modern office and home appliances, sporting goods, mouldings for motor vehicle body parts and military equipment. The compound is commonly used as a coating to set other glues, plastics and adhesives. Its main purpose is to act as a curing agent for other polyurethane and elastomer compounds. It is essential for creating chemical reactions that bond other molecules in relatively stable complex structures which comprise these compounds.

Substance details

Substance name: 4,4'-Methylene-bis(2-chloroaniline) (MOCA)

CASR number: 101-14-4

Molecular formula: C13H12Cl2N2

Synonyms: 3,3'-Dichloro-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane; BOCA; Bis Amine; Cyanaset; DACPM; MOCA; MBOCA; Curene 442; di(4-amino-3-chlorophenyl)methane; 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dichlorodiphenylmethane;4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline); p,p'-methylenebis(alpha-chloroaniline); methylene-bis-orthochloroaniline; bis-amine A; Cl-mda; curalin M; 4,4-Methylene bis(2-chloroaniline).

Physical properties

Tan to colourless solid with no odour.

Melting Point: 110°C

Specific Gravity: 1.44

Chemical properties

Methylene bis 2,4 aniline (MOCA) (4,4-) is a synthetic chemical used to make polyurethane. It is moderately soluble in water but soluble in alcohol, ether, organic and some solvents. It can be gradually broken down by the action of sunlight in air and by microscopic organisms in soil or water. When heated to the point of decomposing it gives off toxic fumes of hydrochloric acid, complex organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen.

Further information

The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) holds data for all sources of Methylene bis 2,4 aniline (MOCA) emissions in Australia.

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Factory. Credit: Michael Lindquist