Methylene Chloride

Cas No: 75-09-2           
EINESC No: 200-838-9 
Molecular weight: 84,93 g/mol  

Chemical Formula: CH2Cl2
Chemical Structure:

Physical Properties

General Properties: colorless liquid

Odor: chloric, disturbing

Intensity: 1,3266 g/cm3

Boiling point: 39,6 °C

Melting point: -96,7 °C

Flash point:

Vapor pressure: 57,3 kPa (25 °C)

Refraction index: 1,4244 nD

Solubility : 13,2 mg/L 25 ° C

Viscosity:

General Properties

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, is a colorless, volatile liquid which has and odor similar to chloroform. It is frequently used as chlorinated solvent. It is a very  good solvent for most organic substances. Although it is formed naturally by microalgea in oceans and wetlands, its main production source is industry.

Normally, it is not flammable but it cn create flammable mixtures with air in temperatures above 100 °C. And in these temperatures, its fume is toxic and narcotic for humans. It is a polar compound and it can be mixed with other organic solvents.

Productions

Methylene chloride is usually produced by reaction of chloromethane or chlorine gas between 400-500 °C. There are many items produced alongside methylene chloride. These are disintigrated via distillation.

Applications

 Methylene chloride is a chlorinated solvent that is frequently used in many fields due to its volatility and good properties as a solvent. It is mainly used as solvent in dye removers. It is also a solvent for vitamins, streoids and certain medicines. It is also used in many aerosol products.

It is used as cleaner in metal production. It is used in pesticide and fumigation chemicals.

It is used for removing caffeine from tea and coffee but its usage is declining due to its hazardous nature.

Safety Measures and Toxic Values

Methylene chloride is dangerous to human health. It may cause serious injuries if it contacts with eyes and skin. It is also carciogenic. In prolonged exposures, it may cause serious disfunction in internal organs and, in higher concentrations, it may cause acute vertigo, hypokinesis and nausea. It must be stored in tightly closed containers due to its volatility.

It is stated by American Association of Occupational Safety and Health that 14 dye worker has died sine 2000 due to lack of security measures.

Methylene chloride releases a toxic gas when it is heated and it may cause explosions in higher temperatures. Therefore, it must be stored in cool and well-aired environments.