ACS/ACS Reagent/Certified ACS
Anhydrous/Dry/Extra Dry/Low Water
Biochemical
Environmental
FCC
GC/Capillary GC
GC/Pesticide Residue
Methylene Chloride
What Is Methylene Chloride?
Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane (DCM), is a volatile, polar, organochloride compound that’s miscible with many organic solvents.
A colorless liquid at room temperature, methylene chloride has a sweet, penetrating odor. It’s a member of the halomethanes or chloromethanes group where one or more hydrogens has been replaced by a halogen (chlorine).
Though non-combustible and non-flammable, methylene chloride can emit toxic chloride fumes when exposed to high temperatures. The vapors are narcotic in high concentrations.
Dichloromethane is formally rated as a probable carcinogen by IARC 2A and is a potentially toxic compound. It has been detected in feces, saliva, and other biofluids.
Synonyms: Dichloromethane, methylene dichloride, methylene bichloride, DCM
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
Molecular Weight
|
84.93 g/mol
|
Density
|
1.3255 g/mL at 20ºC
|
Boiling Point
|
40ºC
|
Melting Point
|
-95.1oC
|
Flash Point
|
5.5oC
|
Viscosity
|
0.413 cP at 25ºC
|
Dielectric Constant
|
8.93 at 25oC
|
Dipole Moment
|
1.6
|
UV Cutoff
|
233 nm
|
Refractive Index
|
1.4244 at 20oC
|
Vapor Pressure
|
435 mm Hg at 25oC
|
Water Solubility
|
13 mg/mL at 25°C
|
Heat of Combustion
|
28.82 x 106 J/kg at 25oC
|
Surface Tension
|
28.2 dyne/cm at 20oC
|
Uses
Methylene chloride is commonly used as a solvent for organic reactions and extractions, and in drug and pesticide manufacturing. It’s also used as a refrigerant and paint stripper and to remove caffeine from coffee and tea.
Designations and Grades
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
CAS Number
|
75-09-2
|
MDL Number
|
MFCD00000881
|
RIDAD/UN Number
|
1593
|
Beilstein Registry
|
1730800
|
EG/EC Number
|
200-838-9
|
NSC Number
|
406122
|
ICSC Number
|
0058
|
RTECS Number
|
PA8050000
|
Grades
GC-MS
HPLC
Laboratory/Technical
NF
Pesticide
Spectrophotometry