Methylene chloride

Methylene Chloride

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a volatile, colorless liquid with a moderately sweet aroma. It is widely used as a solvent, a paint stripper, and a degreaser. In the food industry, it has been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and other flavorings. Its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams.

Chemical Properties

Methylene chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that has the molecular formula CH2Cl2. It is a colorless liquid that has a sweet, pleasant smell. It is not miscible with water, but it is miscible with many organic solvents.

Uses

Methylene chloride is used in various industrial processes, in many different industries including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing. The most common use of methylene chloride is as a solvent.

Health Effects

Exposure to methylene chloride can have various health effects, including negative effects on the central nervous system, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and memory loss. Long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems such as cancer.

Regulation

In many countries, the use of methylene chloride is regulated. For example, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified methylene chloride as a probable human carcinogen and has set an exposure limit of 25 parts per million (ppm) in the workplace.

See Also

• Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
• Solvent
• Environmental Protection Agency

Methylene chloride Resources
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