Dichloromethane (DCM), also known as methylene chloride, has several major and common uses across various industries. Some of these include:

1. Paint Stripping: DCM is commonly used as a paint stripper or paint remover due to its ability to effectively dissolve and remove paint from surfaces, including metal, wood, and plastic.
2. Degreasing: It is used as a degreasing agent for cleaning metal surfaces and removing oil, grease, and other contaminants from machinery and parts.
3. Solvent in Chemical Reactions: DCM is a versatile solvent used in chemical laboratories for various reactions, such as extraction, crystallization, and chromatography.
4. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: It plays a role in pharmaceutical processes, including the extraction of active compounds from natural sources and the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates.
5. Extraction of Natural Products: DCM is used to extract natural products, such as essential oils, flavors, and fragrances, from plant materials.
6. Production of Polycarbonate Plastics: It is an essential component in the production of polycarbonate plastics, which are used in various applications, including eyeglass lenses, CDs, and automotive parts.
7. Foam Blowing Agent: DCM is employed as a foaming agent in the production of foams and expanded plastics, like foam insulation.
8. Adhesive Manufacturing: It is used in the formulation of adhesives and sealants, helping to improve their bonding properties.
9. Aerosol Propellant: DCM is used as a propellant in aerosol products, such as spray paints and insect repellents.
10. Caffeine Extraction: In the food industry, DCM can be used to decaffeinate coffee and tea by selectively extracting caffeine from these beverages.