Methylene chloride (DCM)

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a partially chlorinated C1-hydrocarbon of formula CH2Cl2.

A major application of DCM is the production of pharmaceuticalsIt is a clear, non-flammable liquid with a low boiling point of 40°C and a low evaporation energy (about 9 times lower than water), offers  good chemical stability and provides excellent solubility for a large range of materials. In contrary to PER and TRI it is biodegradable in aquatic systems.

The main applications of methylene chloride are in closed systems e.g. pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, process chemicals.  Further information in form of a fact sheet will be soon available.

The European Chlorinated Solvent Association (ECSA) has developed an online toolbox to provide users of chlorinated solvents with information about the safe & sustainable use of the products. Follow the link to the ECSA Product & Application Toolbox, a Guidance on Safe & Sustainable Use of Chlorinated Solvents: ECSA Product & Application Toolbox

09/2011