Dichloromethane (DCM), is a chlorinated organic solvent with CAS No. 75-09-2 and the molecular formula CH₂Cl₂. This article explains the formula, molecular structure, physical and chemical properties, safety considerations, and major industrial uses of DCM in pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, extraction, and cleaning applications.
What Is Dichloromethane (DCM)?
Dichloromethane (DCM), also known as Methylene Chloride, is a chlorinated organic solvent with the chemical formula CH₂Cl₂ and CAS Number 75-09-2. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild sweet odor and excellent solvent power.
Due to its low boiling point, fast evaporation rate, and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, DCM is widely used in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, coatings, adhesives, electronics cleaning, extraction processes, and laboratory applications.
| Chemical Name | Dichloromethane |
| Common Name | Methylene Chloride |
| Abbreviation | DCM |
| CAS Number | 75-09-2 |
| Molecular Formula | CH₂Cl₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 84.93 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 200-838-9 |
| UN Number | UN1593 |
| HS Code | 29031200 |
Related products: Industrial Grade Dichloromethane (DCM)/Methylene Chloride CAS 75-09-2 High-Purity Solvent
Dichloromethane Formula and Molecular Structure
The molecular formula of dichloromethane is: CH₂Cl₂
Its molecule consists of:
- One carbon atom (C)
- Two hydrogen atoms (H)
- Two chlorine atoms (Cl)
Structural Formula:
The carbon atom is located at the center of a tetrahedral structure, bonded to two hydrogen atoms and two chlorine atoms.
Properties of Dichloromethane CAS 75-09-2
Physical Properties of Dichloromethane
| Property | Value |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Sweet, chloroform-like |
| Molecular Weight | 84.93 g/mol |
| Density (20°C) | 1.32–1.33 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | -97°C |
| Boiling Point | 39.6–40°C |
| Vapor Pressure (25°C) | Approx. 440 mmHg |
| Water Solubility | Slightly soluble |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable under normal conditions |
| Dielectric Constant | 9.1 |
| Refractive Index | 1.424 |
Key Characteristics of DCM chemical
- Fast evaporation
- Low boiling point
- Excellent solvency power
- High volatility
- Dense liquid (heavier than water)
- Low flammability compared with many hydrocarbon solvents
These properties make DCM (CAS 75-09-2) highly effective in industrial cleaning, extraction, and formulation processes.
Chemical Properties of DCM
Dichloromethane liquid is generally stable under standard storage conditions.
Its key chemical properties include:
- Good compatibility with a wide range of organic substances
- Miscibility with ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, and various chlorinated solvents
- Limited solubility in water
- High penetrating power
- Ability to dissolve resins, waxes, fats, oils, and polymers
Under high-temperature or combustion conditions, dichloromethane chemical may decompose, releasing harmful gases such as hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Therefore, ensuring adequate ventilation and adhering to appropriate operating procedures is essential.
Industrial Uses of Dichloromethane
CAS No.75-09-2 Dichloromethane is widely used as an industrial solvent across various sectors due to its strong dissolving power, rapid evaporation rate, and high extraction efficiency. It is commonly employed in pharmaceutical synthesis and purification processes, as well as in chemical manufacturing, paint and coating removal, metal cleaning and degreasing, and the extraction of natural products such as fragrances and flavorings.
1. Paint and Coating Removers
Dichloromethane has long been one of the most effective ingredients in paint and coating removal formulations. It is frequently used in industrial paint stripping, surface restoration projects, equipment maintenance, and metal surface treatment processes that require high-performance stripping capabilities.
2. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, methylene chloride is widely used as a process solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is commonly employed in the extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), as a reaction solvent, in purification processes, and in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates. Its low boiling point allows manufacturers to efficiently remove residual solvent from the final product.
3. Chemical Processing
In the chemical industry, DCM serves as both a process solvent and a chemical intermediate in various manufacturing operations. Thanks to its excellent solubility characteristics and processing efficiency, it is frequently used in the production of agrochemicals, specialty chemicals, fine chemicals, and certain polymer-related products.
4. Electronics Cleaning
Because DCM liquid evaporates rapidly and leaves minimal residue, it is used in precision cleaning applications that demand high levels of cleanliness. It is commonly used for degreasing and cleaning metal parts, as well as for the maintenance of electronic components and equipment.
5. Extraction Solvent
Dichloromethane is highly valued as an extraction solvent due to its ability to effectively separate and recover target compounds from complex mixtures. It is widely used in fields such as natural product extraction, the manufacture of flavors and fragrances, and the purification of specialty chemicals.
6. Laboratory Applications
In research and analytical laboratories, dichloromethane solvent is one of the most commonly used organic solvents due to its versatility and strong dissolving power. It is frequently employed in applications such as organic synthesis, liquid-liquid extraction, chromatography, sample preparation, and analytical chemistry.
Advantages of DCM Compared with Other Solvents
| Property | DCM (Dichloromethane) | Acetone | Ethyl Acetate | Toluene | IPA |
| CAS No. | 75-09-2 | 67-64-1 | 141-78-6 | 108-88-3 | 67-63-0 |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 39.6 | 56.1 | 77.1 | 110.6 | 82.6 |
| Evaporation Rate | Very Fast | Fast | Moderate | Slow | Moderate |
| Solvency Power | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Water Solubility | Slight | Complete | Limited | Insoluble | Complete |
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.33 | 0.79 | 0.90 | 0.87 | 0.79 |
| Flammability | Non-flammable | Highly Flammable | Flammable | Highly Flammable | Flammable |
| Extraction Efficiency | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Low |
| Residue After Evaporation | Very Low | Low | Low | Moderate | Low |
| Typical Applications | Extraction, Pharmaceuticals, Paint Removal, Cleaning | Coatings, Cleaning | Inks, Adhesives | Coatings, Chemicals | Disinfection, Cleaning |
Why Choose DCM solvent?
Compared with many commonly used organic solvents, dichloromethane (DCM) offers a unique combination of strong solvency, rapid evaporation, low boiling point, and non-flammability. These characteristics make it particularly suitable for pharmaceutical processing, chemical extraction, industrial cleaning, paint stripping, and applications where efficient solvent recovery and fast drying are important.
Health and Safety Considerations
Potential hazards of dichloromethane solvent include:
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation
- Central nervous system effects from inhaling high concentrations of vapor
- Respiratory tract irritation
- Health risks associated with long-term exposure
Recommended safety measures:
- Use in a well-ventilated area
- Wear chemical-resistant gloves
- Wear safety goggles
- Avoid inhaling vapors
- Follow recommendations in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)
- Keep away from heat sources and incompatible chemicals
Many countries have implemented restrictions on certain consumer uses of dichloromethane (CAS No.75-09-2), particularly in paint-stripping applications. Industrial and professional uses remain permitted, provided they are conducted under controlled conditions and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Related article: Is the chemical dichloromethane (CAS 75-09-2) banned in the UK?
Conclusion
Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) is a significant chlorinated solvent. It offers unique advantages-such as strong solvency, a low boiling point, rapid volatility, and broad industrial applicability-making it indispensable in fields ranging from pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical processing, and extraction to coatings, electronics cleaning, and laboratory applications.
Although regulatory bodies have tightened oversight of dichloromethane due to occupational health concerns, it remains a vital industrial solvent when handled in accordance with appropriate safety standards.
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