Dichloromethane (DCM)
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odor. It is a chlorinated solvent widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications due to its excellent solvent properties, including high volatility, moderate polarity, and low boiling point (about 39.6°C). DCM is prized for its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, making it ideal for extraction, paint stripping, degreasing, and chemical processing. However, due to health and environmental concerns, its use is regulated and controlled in many countries.
Dichloromethane (DCM) Uses
Primary UsesÂ
- Solvent in Chemical Industry
- Extraction Solvent: Utilized in pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries for extraction processes due to its ability to selectively dissolve organic substances.
- Paint and Coating Remover: Effective in removing paints, varnishes, and coatings from surfaces.
- Degreasing Agent: Employed to clean metal parts and machinery by dissolving greases and oils.
- Adhesive Formulations: Used in adhesives and glue formulations to adjust viscosity and improve application.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Solvent for API Synthesis: Utilized in drug manufacturing as a reaction medium or solvent for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Purification Processes: Employed in purification and crystallization of drugs.
- Laboratory and Analytical Uses
- Chromatography: Used as a solvent in chromatographic techniques including gas chromatography and liquid chromatography.
- Sample Preparation: Common solvent for dissolving and preparing samples for analysis.
- Foam and Aerosol Industry
- Foam Blowing Agent: Used as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams.
- Aerosol Propellant: Historically used as propellant in aerosols (now largely phased out due to regulations).
Secondary UsesÂ
- Food Industry
- Decaffeination of Coffee and Tea: Historically used in the decaffeination process (restricted now due to safety concerns).
- Electronics Industry
- Cleaning Agent: Used for cleaning circuit boards and electronic components because of its non-conductive properties and solvent power.
- Metalworking Industry
- Machining Coolant Additive: Sometimes incorporated into metalworking fluids for enhanced cleaning and degreasing.
- Polymer Processing
Used as a solvent in the production and processing of polymers and resins.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Dichloromethane
- Common/Trade Name: Methylene Chloride, DCM
- CAS Number: 75-09-2
- HS Code: 2903.39.00
- Molecular Formula: CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚
- Synonyms:
- Methylene chloride
- DCM
- Methane, dichloro-
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Colorless liquid
- Odor: Sweet, chloroform-like
- Boiling Point: 39.6°C
- Melting Point: −95°C
- Density: 1.33 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Vapor Pressure: High (about 47.3 kPa at 20°C)
- Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (13 g/L at 20°C); miscible with organic solvents
- Flash Point: None (non-flammable under normal conditions)
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), carcinogenicity category 2, central nervous system depressant
- Toxicity: Harmful if inhaled or ingested; suspected carcinogen; may cause dizziness, nausea, and CNS depression
- Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL – 25 ppm (8 hr TWA); NIOSH REL – 25 ppm
- Flammability: Non-flammable, but can form explosive mixtures under certain conditions
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Metal or glass containers with tight seals
- Shelf Life: Stable if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas or fume hoods; wear appropriate PPE
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Subject to strict regulations due to toxicity and environmental impact (e.g., EPA, REACH, OSHA)
- Transportation: Classified as hazardous for transport; follow DOT and IMDG regulations
- Environmental Compliance: Monitored due to potential groundwater contamination and air pollution
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable; persists in the environment
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; avoid release to waterways
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B)
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required:
- Respirator with organic vapor cartridge or supplied air
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Safety goggles or face shield
- Lab coat or protective clothing
- Handling Guidelines:
- Use in well-ventilated or exhaust-equipped areas
- Avoid inhalation of vapors and skin contact
- Avoid prolonged exposure and accumulation in confined spaces
- Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Store away from strong oxidizers, alkali metals, and reducing agents
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; seek immediate medical attention
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with plenty of soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation persists
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; get medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek urgent medical attention
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but may decompose under fire producing toxic gases
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and SCBA; avoid inhaling fumes
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen chloride, phosgene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide