Dichloromethane
Description
Dichloromethane (CAS 75-09-2), also known as DCM, R 30, and Salesthin, is a fast-evaporating chlorinated solvent used across pharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial processing, and polymer applications.
Its high solvency power and low boiling point make it a preferred extraction and process solvent where rapid solvent removal is commercially critical for high-volume production lines.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, DCM serves as a process solvent for active ingredient extraction, recrystallization, and film coating of tablets and capsules to ensure product stability.
Printing and packaging operations use it in solvent-based adhesives and as a component in paint strippers for equipment maintenance and surface preparation across various industrial facilities.
Polymer processors rely on it to dissolve and weld polycarbonate and other engineering plastics, enabling precision bonding in fabricated components for the automotive and electronics sectors.
It also functions as a blowing agent carrier and processing aid in certain foam and polymer formulations, providing consistent results in specialized manufacturing and molding processes.
Dichloromethane is supplied as a clear liquid in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. specifications.
These grades are suitable for regulated manufacturing environments. Technical-grade DCM remains the standard supply form for general industrial solvent and processing applications worldwide.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -95 °C |
| Boiling Point | 39.75 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 1.3255 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 39-40°C |
| Appearance | Methylene chloride is a nonflammable, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. A gas above 40C/ 104F. The odor is noticeable @ 250 ppm. However, this level substantially exceeds the OSHA STEL and must not be relied upon as an adequate warning of unsafe concentrations. |
| Color | APHA: ≤10 |
| Odor | Odor threshold 160 to 230 ppm |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 20 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 24.45 psi ( 55 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.424(lit.) |
| pH | 7 (20°C) |
| Log P | 1.250 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29031200 |
| UN Number | 1593 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 6.1D - Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
Salesthin|R 30|Nevolin|Narkotil|Metylenu chlorek|Methylene dichloride|Methylene chloride|methylene bichloride|DCM
Related Products
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.