Dichloromethane DCM CAS 75-09-2 Methylene Chloride

Reactions

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. However, it can undergo slow hydrolysis in the presence of water at elevated temperatures, yielding trace amounts of hydrochloric acid.

Thermal Decomposition: Pyrolysis or high-temperature exposure can generate hazardous decomposition products, including hydrogen chloride, phosgene, and carbon monoxide.

Incompatibilities: Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, active metals (such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium powder), and aluminum alloys under specific conditions.

Technical Specifications

Applications & Functional Roles

• Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing: Acts as a chemical blowing agent and auxiliary foaming agent to control foam density and cell structure in both flexible and rigid polyurethane foams.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Serves as a primary reaction solvent, extraction solvent, and carrier medium in the synthesis of antibiotics, vitamins, and steroid derivatives.
• Paint Stripping & Metal Degreasing: Functions as a high-penetration active solvent that rapidly swells and dissolves paint coatings, varnishes, resins, and heavy industrial oils from metal components.
• Chemical Synthesis & Extraction: Utilized for extracting heat-sensitive natural substances (e.g., caffeine, hops, and spices) and as a reaction medium for fine chemical synthesis.

Storage Environment Requirements

• Location: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse dedicated to volatile chlorinated solvents.
• Conditions: Keep away from direct sunlight, open flames, ignition sources, and extreme heat. Maintain storage temperatures below 30℃.
• Segregation: Store separately from strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and active metals. Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent vapor leakage and moisture absorption.

Handling & Usage Precautions

• Ventilation: Use strictly in well-ventilated areas equipped with local exhaust or vapor recovery systems to maintain exposure levels below occupational safety limits.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must wear chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or PVA), safety goggles, protective aprons/clothing, and approved organic vapor respirators if ventilation is insufficient.
• Operational Safety: Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe in vapors or mist. Prevent static electricity buildup by grounding all transfer equipment.

Formulations

• Gel Paint Removers: Blended with paraffin wax, cosolvents (such as methanol or acetone), and cellulose thickeners. DCM acts as the primary active solvent that penetrates paint layers instantly, lifting films from substrates.
• Polyol Blowing Blends: Formulated into pre-blended polyol systems for spray foam insulation, where DCM works alongside water/HFCs to achieve target density and thermal insulation performance.
• Aerosol Propellant / Solvent Carriers: Combined with compressed gases to lower system vapor pressure and ensure uniform product discharge.

Packaging & Delivery

• Standard Packaging: Fiber drum or carton box, securely lined with a heavy-duty polyethylene (PE) bag to prevent leakage and contamination. Also available in galvanized iron drums ($250\text{ kg}$ net weight) or ISO tanks.
• Customization: Customized packaging volumes, private labeling, and specific palletization options are available upon request to meet international shipping and regulatory standards.