m-Phenylenediamine, also called 1,3-diaminobenzene, is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(NH2)2.
This aromatic diamine is a colourless solid that appears as needles, but turns red or purple on exposure to air due to formation of oxidation products.
[4] m-Phenylenediamine is used in the preparation of various polymers including aramid fibers, epoxy resins, wire enamel coatings and polyurea elastomers.
Other uses for m-phenylenediamine include as an accelerator for adhesive resins, and as a component of dyes for leather and textiles.
In hair-dying, m-phenylenediamine is a "coupling agent", used to produce blue colors.