Methylal (C3H8O2)
- It has medium polarity and gives good dissolving power, lipophilicity and hydrophilicity. It is used for paint, adhesive, cleaning agent and medical products.
● Description
▶ Molecular formula : C3H8O2
▶ Molecular weight : 76.1
▶ CAS number : 109-87-5
▶ EC number : 203-714-2
▶ IUPAC name : Dimethoxymethane
▶ EC name : Dimethoxymethane
● Synomyms
▶ Dihydro-1,3-dioxole
▶ Dioxacyclopentane
▶ Ethylene glycol formailne
▶ Formal glycol
▶ Glycol formal
● Physical Properties
▶ Colourless liquid : Colourless liquid
▶ Boiling Point : 74~75’C
▶ Melting Point : -95’C
▶ Density : 1,060 at 20’C
▶ Vapor density (air=1) : 2.6
▶ Solubility : miscible with water
▶ Flash point : 2’C (closed cup)
▶ Refractory index h20D : 1.4005
● Features
▶ excellent solubility
▶ Scatter: 42°C
▶ It dissolves in water up to 33% by weight. If 10% ethanol is added, it is dissolved in water.
▶ mixing with water in any proportion
▶ Non-toxic and biodegradable
▶ Available with all kinds of PROPELLANT
▶ stability of hydrolysis
▶ peroxide member
● Applications
-Thanks to
▶ an exceptional solvent power,
▶ it’s amphiphilic character : Methylal is both hydrophilic and lipophilic,
▶ an extremely low viscosity,
▶ a low surface tension,
▶ a particularly high evaporation rate
-Methylal finds applications in numerous fields
▶ Aerosols for cosmetic and technical applications
: Methylal is an extraordinary solvent for aerosols and pump sprays thanks to its excellent solvency
▶ extremely low viscosity
▶ compatibility with propellants, air and CO2 included
▶ high evaporation velocity
: It improves the sprary quality and the product performances, in solvent or water-based formulae– Paints and varnishes
A high solvency and low viscosity make methylal indispensable for metallic paints or wood varnishes
▶ Paint strippers
: The low molecular dimension, the low viscosity and surface tension associated with a high solvent power make methylal an excellent component of environment friendly paint strippers.
▶ Cleaning and degreasing solvents
: Oleophilic character, solvency, extremely high volatility are helpful properties for cleaning solvent blending
▶ Phamaceuticals
: Besides the galenic applications for which methylal is used as a carrier for active ingredients, methylal is a reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis and is used as a substitute for diethyl ether (no peroxides).
▶ Synthesis – polymers – resins
: Methylal is a useful reagent for the production of ion exchange resins and crucial as a chain length regulator in the olyacetal resin manufacture.
▶ Adhesives
: Unique solvent properties associated with quick drying are useful in glue formulations.
▶ Extraction
: Good penetration capabilities, low toxicity and unique solvency parameters make methylal suitable for many extraction processes, for fragrances or aromas.
▶ Fuel additive
: smoke reduction
▶ Insecticides