Dimethyl carbonate
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Average mass 90.078 Da
Monoisotopic mass 90.031693 Da
ChemSpider ID11526

210-478-4 [EINECS]
616-38-6 [RN]
635821 [Beilstein]
Carbonate de diméthyle [French] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
Carbonic acid dimethyl ester
Carbonic acid, dimethyl ester [ACD/Index Name]
Dimethyl carbonate [ACD/IUPAC Name] [Wiki]
Dimethyl carbonate [UN1161] [Flammable liquid]
dimethyl ester
Dimethyl carbonate [German] [ACD/IUPAC Name]

Application Fields:

The excellent properties and unique molecular structure of DMC (Dimethyl Carbonate) determine its wide range of applications, summarized as follows:

1. Replacement for Phosgene as a Carbonylation Agent：

Although phosgene has high reactivity, its extreme toxicity and highly corrosive by-products impose significant environmental pressures, leading to its gradual phase-out. DMC possesses a similar nucleophilic reaction center. When the carbonyl group of DMC undergoes nucleophilic attack, the acyl-oxygen bond breaks, forming carbonyl compounds with methanol as a by-product. Therefore, DMC can replace phosgene as a safe reagent for synthesizing carbonic acid derivatives, such as carbamate pesticides, polycarbonates, and isocyanates, with polycarbonates being the largest field of demand for DMC.

2. Replacement for Dimethyl Sulfate as a Methylating Agent：

Similar to phosgene, DMS (dimethyl sulfate) is under pressure to be phased out due to its hazardous nature. When the methyl carbon of DMC undergoes nucleophilic attack, the alkyl-oxygen bond breaks, yielding methylation products with higher reaction yields and simpler processes compared to DMS. Major uses include the synthesis of organic intermediates, pharmaceutical products, and pesticides.

3. Low-Toxicity Solvent:

DMC has excellent solvency properties, a narrow melting and boiling point range, high surface tension, low viscosity, and a low dielectric constant in the medium. It also has a high evaporation temperature and rapid evaporation rate, making it suitable as a low-toxicity solvent in the coatings and pharmaceutical industries. DMC not only has low toxicity but also features a high flash point, low vapor pressure, and a high lower explosion limit in air, making it a clean and safe green solvent.

Usage Precautions:

DMC is flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. It should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated non-combustible warehouse. Keep away from sources of ignition and heat. The storage temperature should not exceed 37°C. Keep the container sealed. Store separately from oxidants, reducing agents, and acids; avoid mixed storage. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. Avoid using mechanical equipment and tools that can generate sparks. The storage area should be equipped with emergency leak handling equipment and suitable containment materials.