Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) is a versatile & also eco-friendly carbonate ester extensively used across various industrial applications. It is used here due to its low toxicity as well as environmental friendliness. It is colorless, flammable, and biodegradable, achieving prominence as a green alternative solvent and reagent in processes such as methylation, solvents replacement, battery electrolytes, and fuel additives. With rising regulatory emphasis on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous reagents, DMC has emerged as a safer, sustainable chemical, aligning with both environmental and performance goals. What is Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC)
Dimethyl Carbonate (chemical formula C₃H₆O₃; CAS number 616 38 6) is an organic carbonate ester in which both hydrogen atoms of carbonic acid are replaced by methyl (-CH₃) groups. It appears as a colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. DMC offers moderate polarity, fast evaporation, and appreciable solubility in many organic resins, making it a favorable replacement for solvents like methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), acetone, and glycol ethers.
Functioning as a weak but effective methylating, methoxylating as well as carbonylating agent, DMC plays a very critical role in organic synthesis, especially for phenols, carboxylic acids & anilines. Its activity, while milder than traditional reagents like dimethyl sulfate, stays in line better with green chemistry principles due to minimal toxicity also biodegradability.
Another key application is in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. This is where DMC, often blended with other carbonates, forms a stable lithium-conducting, electron-insulating layer on electrodes & increasing battery performance. Furthermore, with its oxygen-rich composition, it is explored as a fuel additive for cleaner combustion as well as diminished emissions.
Given its VOC-exempt status under U.S. EPA guidelines, DMC is increasingly adopted in paints, inks, adhesives, and coatings, where regulatory pressures restrict volatile organic compounds.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 616-38-6 |
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl Carbonate |
| Molecular Formula | C3H6O3 |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid |
| Odor | > Characteristic mild sweetness |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 2–4 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~90 °C |
| Flash Point | ~16.7–18.3 °C |
| Water Solubility | ~110–140 g/L at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | ~57–75 hPa at 20–25 °C |
| Log Kₒw | ~0.35 |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | ~458 °C |
| Viscosity | ~0.59 mPa·s |
Peculiar industrial-grade DMC specifications includes:
Purity: Bestest ever found ≥99.8 %
Moisture: ≤0.1 %
Acidity (as CH₃COOH): ≤0.001 %
Color (APHA): ≤10
Heavy metals: ≤1 ppm
Residue on evaporation: ≤0.01 %
These baseline parameters ensure suitability for sensitive applications such as battery electrolytes, polycarbonate synthesis, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
DMC is a symmetrical carbonate ester with the structural or IUPAC formula:
(CH3O)2CO
SMILES notation: COC(=O)OC
This compact, double-ester structure imparts polarity (dielectric constant ~3.1–3.9), aprotic characteristics, and biodegradability—while also reducing toxicity compared to chlorinated carbonates and methyl halides.
Flammable: Flash point is approx ~17 °C. So, handle with care to avoid ignition.
Toxic Inhalation: This compound is an acute inhalation hazard; H331 classification.
Environment: Not classified as PBT/vPvB; readily biodegradable.
Handling PrecautionsOperate in well-ventilated areas; use local exhaust.
Eliminate all ignition sources; use explosion-proof tools; ground and bond containers.
Wear appropriate PPE: goggles, chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile/PVC/neoprene), flame-retardant clothing.
Respiratory protection when vapor levels exceed exposure limits (~100 ppm over 8 h).
Storage ConditionsStore in vacuum-sealed, well-aired containers away from heat, open flames, oxidizers, and direct sunlight.
Warehouse temperature should ideally remain below 10 °C which is apt.
Suitable packaging includes galvanized iron drums (200 kg) or ISO tanks.
Equip storage areas with leak-detection as well as fire-suppression provisions.
Spill & Fire ResponseSpills: Control spills with absorbents; prevent drainage contamination; transfer for disposal.
Fire: Extinguishing media include water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, or dry powder utils.
Drums: 200 kg galvanized iron drums.
Container shipments: Up to 80 drums per 20′ FCL.
Bulk: ISO tank containers for large-scale deliveries.
Green Solvent
VOC-exempt alternative for paints, coatings, inks, adhesives as well as cleaners.
Organic Synthesis
Methylation of phenols, acids, amines; methoxycarbonylation processes.
Battery Electrolytes
Combined with EC/PC/FEC to enhance lithium-ion battery performance.
Polycarbonate ProductionIntermediate or in-between for diphenyl carbonate via transesterification for BPA-PC.
Fuel AdditivesOxygenate for cleaner fuel combustion as well as emission reduction.
Automotive & Aerospace CoatingsFast-drying, eco-compliant solvent.
Pharmaceuticals & AgrochemicalsReagent in API synthesis, e.g., ciprofloxacin, carbadox.
Textile & Leather Treatments, Photo-Imaging, Surface Treatments, Tanning, Wire Drawing, Waterproofing as well as Thermal Paper CoatingsShakti Chemicals stands out as a leading exporter of these chemicals in Mumbai, Maharashtra,India giving unparalleled capabilities as suppliers, traders, dealers, importers or distributors worldwide:
• Comprehensive Product Range: High-purity (≥99.8 %) DMC tailored to markets—from industrial solvents to battery-grade electrolytes and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Integrated Supply Chain: With strong sourcing, warehousing, logistics as well as quality-assured dispatch, we serve as trusty importers & also distributors ensuring consistent supply.
• Uniform Adherence: Our company adheres to major global standards like REACH, TSCA, VOC exemptions, UN1161 transport code, ADR/IMDG/IATA packing group II.
• Tech Help: Our specialists support application development, solvent substitution, reaction optimization as well as troubleshooting for various sectors.
• Bulk and Packaging Solutions: Custom packaging (200 kg drums, ISO tanks) designed for your production scale—efficiently serviced via our trading and dealing operations.
• Global Reach: As international traders or importers, we deliver timely to Asia, Europe, Middle East as well as other regions.
• Safety & Sustainability: As distributors, we uphold the highest safety protocols. These protocols are proper handling, documentation, sustainability along with Responsible Care compliance.
What is the flash point of DMC?
Flash point ranges from ~16.7 to 18.3 °C.
Is DMC classified as a VOC?
No. EPA currently exempts DMC from VOC regulations.
Can DMC replace methyl ethyl ketone?
Yes—DMC offers similar solvency with lower toxicity and better environmental profile.
What kind of packaging is offered?
200 kg galvanized drums and ISO tanks (max. ~80 drums per 20′ FCL).
Is DMC safe for lithium-ion batteries?
Yes—used as co-solvent in electrolytes & also promotes stable SEI formation.
What is the storage temperature?
Ideally <10 °C, in cool, ventilated, spark-free areas.
What PPE is required for handling?
Use goggles, chemical gloves, flame-resistant clothing, and respirators if vapors exceed safe limits.
Is DMC biodegradable?
Yes—readily biodegradable; not persistent or bioaccumulative.
What hazards does DMC pose?
Main hazards: flammability, inhalation toxicity, and environmental caution.
How is DMC produced industrially?
Via transesterification of ethylene carbonate or oxidative carbonylation; replacing older phosgene routes.
Dimethyl Carbonate is a modern, eco-conscious chemical that aligns with global sustainability goals. As a highly versatile compound—serving in green solvents, battery technology, organic synthesis, fuel additives, and polycarbonate manufacture—its functions embrace performance and safety standards. With stringent regulatory compliance, reliable packaging, and global distribution capacity, Shakti Chemicals offers a robust DMC solution tailored to diverse industrial needs. Choosing Shakti Chemicals ensures consistent quality, expert service, and a partner committed to advancing greener chemistry for today's dynamic markets.
For premium quality Dimethyl Carbonate with reliable supply and support, connect with us today. We offer competitive pricing and customized delivery options.
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