Preservatives & Biocides
REACH
Dimethyl dicarbonate
CAS Number
4525-33-1
EC Number
224-859-8
E Number
E242
Abbreviation
DMDC
Industries: Food & Nutrition
What is Dimethyl dicarbonate?
Dimethyl dicarbonate (CAS 4525-33-1), known commercially as DMDC and approved as E242, is a cold-sterilization agent that eliminates spoilage microorganisms in beverages without heat treatment.
Where is Dimethyl dicarbonate used?
- Still and sparkling wines: standard antimicrobial treatment
- Ready-to-drink teas, juices and isotonic sports beverages: controls yeast and mold at regulatory-compliant dosages
- Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beers: treatment where pasteurization would compromise sensory quality
- Biotechnology: nuclease inhibitor in RNA extraction workflows
- It protects RNA integrity during sample processing.
Good to know: It reacts rapidly with microbial enzymes and decomposes into trace carbon dioxide and methanol, leaving no functional residue; this allows stabilization without altering flavor through thermal processing.
Commercial specifications
- Purity generally at or above 99%
- Clear liquid in small sealed containers, larger drums or intermediate bulk containers
Other Names (Synonyms)
methoxycarbonyl methyl carbonate|dicarbonic acid dimethyl ester|DMDC|Velcorin|Dimethyl pyrocarbonate|Methyl pyrocarbonate|Dimethyl oxydiformate|Formic acid, oxydi-, dimethyl ester|E242
What are the physical properties of Dimethyl dicarbonate?
Melting Point 15.2 °C
Boiling Point 46-47 °C @ Press: 5 Torr
Density 1.258 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 80 °C
Color Colourless
Form Oil
Water Solubility 35g/L (decomposition)
Vapor Pressure 0.7 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.392(lit.)
Log P 0.082 (est)
How is Dimethyl dicarbonate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H330 Fatal if inhaled
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Dimethyl dicarbonate?
HS Code 2920 90 10
UN Number 2927
ADR Class 6.1
Packing Group II
Storage Class 6.1A - Combustible, acute toxic Cat. 1 and 2
very toxic hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 3