3,4-Xylidine
# 3,4-Xylidine

3,4-Xylidine is an organic compound with the formula $C_6H_3(CH_3)_2NH_2.$ It is one of several isomeric xylidines. It is a colorless solid. It is a precursor for the production of riboflavin (vitamin $B_2).$

The compound is prepared by two routes: hydrogenation of (2-chloromethyl)-4-nitrotoluene and reaction of the bromoxylene with ammonia.

## Safety

Like other xylidines, 3,4-xylidine has modest toxicity with an $LD_{50}$ of 812 mg/kg when administered orally to rats.

In 2003, more than twenty US Army troops were allegedly exposed to 3,4-xylidine during the occupation of Iraq, leading to a number of health complaints.

