Dichloromethane (DCM)

Lab Grade Tested 99.99% Purity (Aka. Methylene Chloride)

Dichloromethane is an organochloride that appears as a colorless volatile liquid having sweet chloroform-like odor. This liquid is widely used as a solvent. Although it is not miscible with water, it is polar, and miscible with most organic solvents.

Commonly used for partitioning alkaloids from aqueous solutions Dichloromethane or DCM for short is commonly used as an extraction solvent across the food & beverage industry and is well known for its use in the decaffeination of coffee. With a density of 1.33g/cm3 it is denser than water partitioning as the bottom layer during liquid-liquid extraction.

With a low boiling point of 39.8C/103.3F Dicholormethane allows for fast drying and the preservation of temperature-sensitive compounds. While Dichloromethane is highly volatile it is actually neither flammable nor explosive in air. Produced through the chlorination of methane along with chloromethane, trichloromethane (chloroform), and tetrachloromethane (carbon tetrachloride, Dichloromethane is the least toxic of the three.

While Dichloromethane is less toxic than other chlorinated hydrocarbons it is still known to cause skin and serious eye irritation and may cause drowsiness or dizziness and potentially cancer. During handling always wear appropriate personal protective equipment in the form of tightly fitting safety goggles or face shield, long-sleeved clothing, and an approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced. Always ensure DCM is handled under adequate ventilation using a chemical fume hood. Avoid getting DCM into the eyes, on skin, or on clothing, and avoid ingestion and inhalation. Dichloromethane should always be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place with the container tightly closed.

Dichloromethane Technical Data Sheet

Dichloromethane Safety Data Sheet

Chemical Formula:	CH₂Cl₂
Molecular Weight:	84.93 g·mol⁻¹
CAS Registry Number:	75-09-2
Appearance	Colorless Liquid
Odor:	Faint, Chloroform-like
Density	1.3266 g/cm³ (20 °C)
Boiling Point:	39.6 °C / 103.3 °F
Solubility in water:	17.5 g/L (25 °C)
GHS Pictograms:
GHS Signal Word:	Warning
GHS Hazard Statements:	H315, H319, H335, H336, H351, H373
GHS Precautionary Statements	P261, P281, P305+P351+P338
UN Identification Number:	1593
Proper Shipping Name:	Dichloromethane
Transport Hazard Class:	6.1
Packing Group:	III
DOT Placard:

What Is Dichloromethane?

Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a colorless, volatile, and sweet-smelling organic compound with the chemical formula CH2Cl2. It is a halogenated hydrocarbon and is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications.

What is Dichloromethane Used for?

Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a versatile organic compound with several common uses, including:

Solvent: It is widely used as a solvent in various industrial and laboratory applications. Dichloromethane's ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds makes it valuable in chemical processes and as a cleaning agent.
Extraction: It is used in some extraction processes, such as the decaffeination of coffee and tea. It can selectively dissolve caffeine from coffee beans or tea leaves, leaving behind other flavor compounds.
Chemical Reactions: It is used in chemical reactions as a solvent and as a reagent in various synthetic procedures.
Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, dichloromethane can be used for various purposes, including as a solvent for drug formulation.
Aerosol Propellant: It has been used as a propellant in aerosol products like paints and coatings.
Foaming Agent: In the production of polystyrene foam, dichloromethane can be used as a foaming agent.
Lab Applications: In laboratory settings, it is used as a solvent for analytical methods, especially in chromatography.

What are the Properties of Dichloromethane?

Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a colorless, volatile liquid with several notable properties:

Physical State: At room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit), dichloromethane exists as a volatile liquid. It has a sweet, ether-like odor.
Density: The density of dichloromethane is approximately 1.33 grams per milliliter (g/mL), making it denser than water.
Solubility: Dichloromethane is highly miscible with a wide range of organic solvents, including ethers, alcohols, and chlorinated compounds. It exhibits limited solubility in water, forming an azeotrope with a maximum water concentration of around 12.5%.
Boiling Point: It has a relatively low boiling point of approximately 39.6 degrees Celsius (103.3 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes it volatile and easy to evaporate.
Reactivity: It is relatively chemically stable under normal conditions. However, dichloromethane can react with strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide, producing potentially hazardous compounds.
Flammability: Dichloromethane is not highly flammable but can burn under certain conditions, particularly if it forms a vapor-air mixture within its flammable range.
Toxicity: It is considered a hazardous chemical due to its potential health risks. Inhalation of dichloromethane vapors can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and, in high concentrations, more severe health effects. Prolonged exposure can be harmful.
Environmental Impact: Dichloromethane is known to be an ozone-depleting substance and can contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion. Consequently, its production and use are regulated or restricted in many countries under environmental laws.
Industrial Use: Despite its potential hazards, dichloromethane is used in various industrial applications, such as paint stripping, as a solvent, and in the production of some chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

What Are The Hazards Of Dichloromethane?

Dichloromethane (DCM), also known as methylene chloride, is a volatile organic compound that poses several hazards to human health and the environment. It's important to handle DCM with care and follow safety precautions when working with this chemical. Here are some of the main hazards associated with dichloromethane:

Inhalation Hazard: DCM is a volatile chemical, and its vapors can easily be inhaled. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of DCM vapor can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or death. Prolonged or repeated exposure to lower concentrations may cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and chest discomfort.
CNS Depression: Dichloromethane can affect the central nervous system (CNS) when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. It has mild anesthetic properties and can lead to CNS depression, resulting in impaired coordination and reaction time.
Skin and Eye Irritation: DCM can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact. It may cause redness, itching, and dermatitis. Eye contact can lead to irritation, tearing, and blurred vision.
Carcinogenicity: Long-term exposure to DCM has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified DCM as a Group 1 carcinogen to humans.
Environmental Impact: DCM is an ozone-depleting substance and can contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. It is also harmful to aquatic life, and its disposal into water bodies can have adverse effects on the environment.
Flammability: While DCM itself is not highly flammable, its vapors can form flammable mixtures with air. It is important to take precautions to prevent the buildup of flammable vapor concentrations in enclosed spaces.
Chemical Reactivity: DCM can react with certain chemicals, and its contact with strong oxidizers or alkalis can result in hazardous reactions. It should be stored and handled away from incompatible substances.

To minimize the hazards associated with dichloromethane, it is essential to work with this chemical in a well-ventilated area, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, and follow safety guidelines and regulations. Use DCM in a chemical fume hood or a well-ventilated area to reduce inhalation exposure. Proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures should also be followed to protect human health and the environment. Additionally, it is advisable to be aware of local regulations and guidelines related to the use and disposal of DCM.

How Do I Use Dichloromethane Safely?

Using dichloromethane (DCM), also known as methylene chloride, safely is essential to minimize health and environmental risks associated with this chemical. Here are some guidelines for the safe use of DCM:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear appropriate PPE, including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or a face shield, and a lab coat or chemical-resistant apron.
- Consider using a chemical-resistant apron and full-body protective clothing if handling large quantities of DCM.
Ventilation:
- Work in a well-ventilated area, such as a chemical fume hood or a well-ventilated laboratory.
- Avoid working with DCM in confined spaces without proper ventilation.
Respiratory Protection:
- If working with DCM outside of a fume hood or in a space with inadequate ventilation, use a NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator to protect against inhalation exposure.
- Ensure that the respirator is fit-tested and properly maintained.
Storage:
- Store DCM in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat, and incompatible materials.
- Keep containers tightly closed and labeled with hazard information.
Handling:
- Use DCM only for its intended purposes and avoid unnecessary exposure.
- Handle DCM with care to prevent spills or splashes.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with DCM.
Avoid Skin and Eye Contact:
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact.
- Use safety goggles or a face shield to protect your eyes from splashes.
- In case of skin contact, promptly remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- In case of eye contact, flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Work in a Controlled Environment:
- Perform DCM-related tasks on stable surfaces to prevent accidental spills.
- Avoid working alone when handling DCM, especially in situations where immediate assistance may be needed in case of an accident.
Fire Safety:
- DCM is not highly flammable but can form flammable vapor-air mixtures. Keep ignition sources away from DCM and store it in a cool area.
- Ensure that fire extinguishing equipment is readily available and that personnel are trained in its use.
Emergency Procedures:
- Know the location of emergency eyewash stations, safety showers, and spill response kits.
- Establish and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures in case of spills, fires, or exposure incidents.
Disposal:
- Dispose of DCM waste according to local regulations and guidelines. DCM waste is often considered hazardous and must be handled and disposed of properly.
Training:
- Ensure that personnel handling DCM are adequately trained in its safe use, storage, and disposal.
Regulations and Guidelines:
- Be aware of and comply with local, state, and federal regulations governing the use, handling, and disposal of DCM.

Remember that DCM is a volatile chemical, and its vapors can be harmful when inhaled over an extended period. Follow safety data sheet (SDS) instructions, and if you are uncertain about any aspect of using DCM safely, consult with a safety professional or chemical hygiene officer in your organization.