Dimethyl carbonate / DMC

Properties of Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC)

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is a highly flammable, colorless liquid at room temperature with a mild, pleasant odor and a bitter taste. Although its odor resembles that of methanol, DMC exhibits no toxic, mutagenic, or environmentally harmful properties. The compound is highly soluble in most organic solvents and also exhibits significant solubility in water.

Uses of dimethyl carbonate (DMC)

DMC is a versatile solvent for plastics and resins, as well as in the paint and ink industries. It dissolves cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, fats, oils, and resins, and is an approved extraction solvent as well as a reactive solvent in numerous construction chemicals. DMC is suitable as a substitute for conventional solvents such as MEK and tert-butyl acetate.

As an additive, DMC is used in ballpoint pen pastes. Furthermore, it is used as a dyeing aid, disinfectant, viscosity regulator, and development accelerator in color photochemistry.

In the pharmaceutical industry, DMC serves as a preservative for injection solutions.

DMC is an important starting material for the production of esters and is used in the manufacture of paint strippers.