Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane), CAS Registry Number 75-09-2, is a colorless, volatile organic liquid with a faint, sweet odor. It is non-flammable under normal conditions, has a molecular weight of 84.93 g/mol, a boiling point of 40 °C, and a melting point of -95 °C. DCM is highly soluble in most organic solvents but only slightly soluble in water, and it exhibits excellent solvency power for a wide range of organic compounds.

Core Industrial Applications

Solvent for Chemical Processing

It is one of the most widely used solvents in the chemical industry, ideal for paint stripping, degreasing, and cleaning metal surfaces. It also serves as a key solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals, facilitating extraction, purification, and reaction processes.

Paint and Coating Industry DCM is incorporated into paint removers, varnish strippers, and adhesive formulations due to its ability to dissolve resins, waxes, and polymers quickly without damaging underlying substrates.

Food and Pharmaceutical Extraction

In the food industry, it is used for extracting caffeine from coffee beans and tea leaves, as well as isolating flavorings and fragrances from natural sources. In pharmaceuticals, it aids in the extraction and purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Foam Blowing Agent

It was historically used as a blowing agent for producing rigid polyurethane foams, though this application has been restricted in some regions due to environmental concerns.