Products Description
Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) is a colorless, transparent liquid at room temperature with a characteristic pungent odor. It has a relative density (D₂₀⁴) of 1.0694, a melting point of 4°C, a boiling point of 90.3°C, flash points of 21.7°C (open cup) and 16.7°C (closed cup), and a refractive index (nD²⁰) of 1.3687. DMC is a flammable substance with relatively low toxicity and exhibits good compatibility with many organic solvents, including alcohols, ketones, and esters, while having limited solubility in water. It is widely used as a methylating agent. Compared with conventional methylating reagents, such as methyl iodide and dimethyl sulfate, DMC offers lower toxicity and better biodegradability.
Traditional production methods based on phosgene as a raw material have largely been replaced by more environmentally friendly approaches. One commonly adopted alternative is the catalytic oxidative carbonylation of methanol using oxygen, which reduces the environmental concerns associated with conventional phosgene-based processes.
DMC can be used for the methylation of various organic compounds, including aniline, phenol, and carboxylic acids. Although some of these reactions require elevated pressure, suitable catalysts can facilitate the process under milder conditions. For example, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) can be introduced during the reflux of DMC to catalyze the methylation of carboxylic acids.
Chemical Properties
Melting point | 2-4 °C (lit.) |
Boiling point | 90 °C (lit.) |
density | 1.069 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
vapor density | 3.1 (vs air) |
vapor pressure | 18 mm Hg ( 21.1 °C) |
refractive index | n20/D |
Fp | 65 °F |
storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
solubility | 139g/l |
form | Liquid |
color | <50(APHA) |
Odor | Pleasant |
explosive limit | 4.22-12.87%(V) |
Water Solubility | 139 g/L |
Sensitive | Moisture Sensitive |
Merck | 14,3241 |
BRN | 635821 |
Dielectric constant | 3.1699999999999999 |
Stability: | Stable. Highly flammable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, potassium t-butoxide. |
InChIKey | IEJIGPNLZYLLBP-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
LogP | 0.23-0.354 at 20-25℃ |
CAS DataBase Reference | 616-38-6(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Carbonic acid, dimethyl ester(616-38-6) |
EPA Substance Registry System | Carbonic acid, dimethyl ester (616-38-6) |
Safety Information
Hazard Codes | F |
Risk Statements | 11 |
Safety Statements | 9-16-2017/9/16 |
RIDADR | UN 1161 3/PG 2 |
WGK Germany | 1 |
RTECS | FG0450000 |
Autoignition Temperature | 458 °C |
TSCA | Yes |
HS Code | 2920 90 10 |
HazardClass | 3 |
PackingGroup | II |
Hazardous Substances Data | 616-38-6(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 in rats (g/kg): 13.8 orally; 2.5 dermally; LC50 (4 hr) in rats (mg/l): 140 by inhalation (Ono) |
Product Applications
Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is widely used as a solvent in organic synthesis and is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone, tert-butyl acetate, and parachlorobenzotrifluoride. It also serves as an important intermediate in the production of diphenyl carbonate, which is a key raw material for manufacturing bisphenol-A polycarbonate. In addition, DMC is employed as a green methylating agent in the methylation of aniline, phenols, and carboxylic acids. Owing to its relatively high oxygen content, it can also be used as a fuel additive to improve fuel properties. Furthermore, DMC has potential applications in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries.
Due to its favorable environmental profile, DMC is regarded as a potential substitute for traditional methylating agents, such as dimethyl sulfate and methyl halides, as well as phosgene in certain methylcarbonylation reactions.
