© 2026 Nanjing Finechem Holdings Co., Ltd,
All Right Reserved
Dichloromethane, with a purity of at least 99.8%, appears as a clear, colorless volatile liquid. The chemical, known by its molecular formula CH₂Cl₂ and a molecular weight of 84.93 g/mol, offers versatility and reliability for a broad range of applications. Its presence can be traced across various industries—laboratories, industrial cleaning, and chemical manufacturing—where its specific physical and chemical traits allow crucial processes to run efficiently. With an HS Code typically listed as 29031200, dichloromethane stands as an important raw material and solvent choice in global trade, underpinning production from pharmaceuticals to paint stripping agents.
The structure of dichloromethane features two chlorine atoms bonded to a single carbon atom, further connected to two hydrogen atoms. This arrangement shapes its behavior as a chemical and influences its interaction with other substances. With a boiling point of approximately 39.6 °C and a melting point around −96.7 °C, dichloromethane stays liquid at room temperature—a trait necessary for many extraction and separation processes. Density checks in at about 1.325 g/cm³ at 20 °C, making it heavier than water. It remains miscible with most organic solvents but resists dissolving in water due to its molecular structure. Its volatility, nonflammability under normal circumstances, and capacity to dissolve a variety of organic compounds feed into its popularity across chemical synthesis.
Available as a liquid, dichloromethane flows easily and gives off a faint, sweet odor distinct to halogenated hydrocarbons. Crystalline forms, powders, or flakes do not match its natural state under standard conditions. Most packaging arrives in sealed steel drums or glass containers to limit exposure to moisture and air. Standard specification sheets detail high purity, strictly tracked via gas chromatography, with water content less than 0.01%, and a low threshold for acidic or alkaline impurities. Transparent, nonviscous, and clear, dichloromethane in industrial environments maintains stable physical features that enable consistent batching for solutions, pharmaceutical intermediates, or paint removers. Recommended storage follows clear protocols: keep in cool, dry, ventilated spaces, away from heat or ignition sources. Because it evaporates quickly and can build up vapor pressure, users often rely on ventilated systems for safe handling.
Many industries look to dichloromethane for its role as a solvent. Pharmaceutical labs use it for extraction and crystallization steps, taking advantage of its selectivity and quick evaporation rate. Paint and varnish strippers bank on its efficiency and the clean finish it delivers. Chemical manufacturers use it for producing fine chemicals, adhesives, and film coatings. In modestly sized factories or research institutes, one can see it employed in the creation of aerosol formulations or in specialized cleaning for metal parts and electronics. As a raw material, dichloromethane sometimes takes part in the synthesis of other chemicals such as methyl chloride. Component purity matters here; users select anhydrous grades to cut the risk of unwanted water reactions in sensitive manufacturing processes.
Caution stays front of mind while working with dichloromethane. This chemical evaporates quickly and accumulates in the air, which means good ventilation is critical in any workspace. Most exposures come from inhalation, so people rely on fume hoods or local exhaust ventilation. Contact with skin can cause irritation, and regular users wear gloves, goggles, and lab coats or coveralls as a basic measure. Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause central nervous system effects, headaches, nausea, and, with extremely high doses, more severe symptoms. Agencies such as OSHA and the EPA list dichloromethane as a potential health hazard, with strict exposure guidelines and limits in the workplace. It is not flammable in ordinary air, but can still form harmful gases if burned or intensely heated, producing phosgene and hydrogen chloride. Waste disposal leans on qualified hazardous waste carriers. Spills need immediate attention with spill kits and absorbents meant specifically for volatile organics. Environmental regulations cover emissions, handling, and water contamination risks, as the compound does not biodegrade quickly and can harm aquatic life.
Relying on dichloromethane’s unique capabilities does not excuse lapses in safety or sustainability. Every laboratory and industrial user has a role in driving safe practices and exploring alternatives where possible. Automated dispensing and closed handling systems protect workers from accidental exposures. Investing in air monitoring keeps the work environment safe, and routine employee training pays off through fewer incidents and better compliance with regulations. From experience, switching to less volatile or safer solvents where the process allows brings down chemical risk and environmental footprint. Researchers stay open to process redesigns that eliminate or reduce reliance on hazardous chemicals altogether. Manufacturers update processes and packaging to curb accidental leaks, while regulatory bodies monitor and enforce safe levels tightly. Continued education, investment in safer technologies, and cross-industry sharing of best practices will keep dichloromethane’s essential functions intact while reducing its downsides for humans and the planet.
