Methylene chloride (DCM)

Substance identity

• EC / List no.: 200-838-9
• CAS no.: 75-09-2
• formula: CH₂Cl₂

Methylene Chloride is a colourless, non-flammable and volatile liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon also known as dichloromethane. This substance is mainly used as a solvent in closed industrial systems to extract pharmaceuticals (vitamins, antibiotics), fine chemicals, agrochemicals, cellulose acetate, etc. It can also be a feedstock for the refrigerant R 32 and a laboratory agent. Can be used as an extraction solvent in the food and beverage manufacturing industry to remove caffeine from unroasted coffee beans and tea leaves.

Uses

• Antibiotic synthesis
• Paint strippers (restricted in the EU)
• PU foam co-blowing agent
• Metal cleaning/degreasing
• Caffeine extraction
• Acetate fibres & polycarbonate resins
• Printed circuit boards
• Photographic films
• Lab solvent
• Paints & adhesives
• Feedstock for R 32 (compound of refrigerants R 407 C & 410 A)