Dimethyl ether

Dimethyl ether (CAS 115-10-6), also known as methyl ether, is a compressed liquefied gas.

Where is Dimethyl ether used?

• Aerosols: propellant and co-solvent in home care and personal care products
• Household cleaners, air fresheners and surface treatments: consistent spray delivery
• Oil and gas: alternative fuel and fuel blending component
• Diesel substitution and LPG blending programs: high cetane number
• Plastics and polymers: foam-blowing agent and polymerization initiator carrier, particularly in polyurethane foams
• Aerospace and defense: cold-start fluid and precision cleaning solvent with rapid evaporation
• It functions primarily as a propellant, solvent, and fuel component.
• Used as a refrigerant.

Formulation notes

• Has challenging viscosity and lubricity, requiring additives.

Typical specification

• The EC code is 204-065-8.
• Has a Henry's law constant for solubility in water at 298.15 K of 1.0 mol/(kg*bar).

Regulatory status

• Assigned UN number 1033 for transport.
• The harmonised CLP classification carries hazard statement code H220.
• Classified in the hazard class flammable gases under CLP.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 34000 ppm.

Frequently asked questions about Dimethyl ether

Are there any materials that dimethyl ether is incompatible with?

It reacts violently with aluminum hydride and lithium aluminum hydride.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.