DMC - DIMETHYL CARBONATE
General
- DIMETHYL CARBONATE is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Denser than water and slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used to make other chemicals and as a special purpose solvent.
Dimethyl carbonate is a carbonate ester that is carbonic acid in which both hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups. A flammable, colourless liquid (m.p. 2-4’C, b.p. 90’C) with a characterstic ester-like odour, it is used as a ‘green’ methylating agent and as a solvent. It has a role as a solvent and a reagent.
Dimethyl carbonate is used for cold sterilisation of beverages. Effective against typical beverage-spoiling microorganisms, like yeasts and fermentative bacteria Dimethyl carbonate, often abbreviated DMC, is a flammable clear liquid boiling at 90’C. It has recently found use as a methylating reagent. Its main benefit over other methylating reagents such as iodomethane and dimethyl sulfate is its lesser toxicity and its biodegradability. Also, it is now prepared from catalytic oxidative carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide and oxygen, instead of from phosgene making its production non-toxic and environmentally friendly. This allows dimethyl carbonate to be considered a green reagent
● Description
▶ Molecular formula C3H6O3
▶ CAS number 616-38-6
▶ IUPAC name Dimethyl carbonate
▶ Synomyms DMC Methyl carbonate
● Physical Properties
| Molar mass | 90.078 g·mol−1 | |
| Appearance | Clear liquid | |
| Density | 1.069-1.073 g/mL | |
| Melting point | 2 to 4 °C (36 to 39 °F; 275 to 277 K) |
| Boiling point | 90 °C (194 °F; 363 K) | |
| Solubility in water | 13.9 g/100 mL |