Table of Contents
What is Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane is an organic compound with the formula CH2Cl2. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid. Dichloromethane is widely used as a solvent.
How is Dichloromethane (CH2C12) Used?
Dichloromethane is used as a solvent for many different purposes. It is used in the production of drugs, pesticides, and other chemicals. It is also used to extract metals from their ores, to produce acrylic fibers, and to produce dyes and pigments.
Properties of Dichloromethane
Dichloromethane is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a pleasant, chloroform-like odor. It is miscible with water and ethanol in all proportions and is insoluble in ether. It is a powerful solvent and is used in the production of various chemicals. Dichloromethane is also used as an extraction solvent for fats, oils, waxes, and alkaloids. It is a central nervous system depressant and can be toxic in high doses.
Production of Dichloromethane (DCM)
The production of dichloromethane is a multi-step process. The first step is to produce methyl chloride from methane and chlorine. This is done by combining the two gases in the presence of a catalyst, such as iron chloride.
Methyl chloride is then reacted with methanol to produce dichloromethane.
Dichloromethane CH2C12 Uses
: solvent, degreaser, paint stripper, dry cleaning agent
Toluene C6H5CH3 Uses: solvent, paint thinner, degreaser
Benzene C6H6 Uses: solvent, precursor to synthetic fibers, drugs, and other chemicals
Health Hazards of Dichloromethane
Dichloromethane is a volatile organic solvent that is colorless, flammable and has a sweet odor. It is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including metal degreasing, dry cleaning, paint stripping and manufacturing pharmaceuticals.
Exposure to high levels of dichloromethane can cause central nervous system depression, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. It can also irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Prolonged exposure to dichloromethane may cause liver and kidney damage.
Inhalation
Inhalation of this product may cause respiratory tract irritation.
Ingestion
Ingestion of this product may cause gastrointestinal tract irritation.
Skin Contact
No information available.
Eye Contact
No information available.
Chronic Exposure
No information available.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It is produced when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, and kerosene are not completely burned.
CO poisoning can cause death. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
If you think you may have been exposed to CO, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Limitations of Dichloromethane
The main limitation of dichloromethane is its toxicity. It is a volatile organic compound that can be harmful if inhaled. It can also be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin.
