Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane/DCM)

What Is Methylene Chloride?

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane or DCM, is a volatile chlorinated organic solvent identified by CAS 75-09-2. It is valued for its strong solvency, low boiling point and compatibility with many organic materials.

DCM is mainly classified as an industrial and laboratory solvent rather than a fine chemical. It may also serve as a processing aid or reaction medium in permitted chemical manufacturing processes.

AOZUN supports methylene chloride sourcing for lawful industrial and laboratory applications. Product availability, grade, packaging and shipment are subject to specification and destination-country compliance review.

Methylene Chloride Identification and Properties

Physical values are provided for identification only. Commercial acceptance should be based on the agreed specification and batch-specific COA.

Which Methylene Chloride Grade Do You Need?

Technical or Industrial Grade

Technical grade is generally selected for permitted industrial processing where purity, water, acidity, color and evaporation residue meet the process requirements.

Low-Moisture Grade

Low-moisture DCM is used when water may affect reaction performance, extraction efficiency, polymer processing or downstream product quality.

HPLC or GC Grade

Chromatography grades require tighter limits for UV-absorbing impurities, evaporation residue, water and interfering compounds. The grade should match the analytical method.

Application-Specific Process Grade

Chemical and pharmaceutical processing may require additional controls for related chlorinated compounds, stabilizer, metals or residual-solvent documentation.

A higher assay does not automatically mean a grade is suitable for every application. Buyers should compare the complete specification.

What Is Methylene Chloride Used For?

Subject to applicable regulations, methylene chloride may be used for:

• Chemical manufacturing and processing

• Laboratory extraction and sample preparation

• Chromatographic analysis

• Closed-system processing aids

• Plastic and rubber manufacturing

• Polycarbonate and polymer processing

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing as a controlled process solvent

• Solvent formulation and recycling

• Selected solvent-welding applications

DCM should not be promoted or supplied for prohibited consumer applications. Final use must be reviewed against the laws of the destination country.

Which Methylene Chloride Specifications Matter Most?

Because methylene chloride evaporates rapidly and may be affected by moisture, acidity and storage conditions, purity alone is not sufficient for grade selection.

Specifications and test methods should be agreed before ordering. Typical values should not be treated as guaranteed batch limits.

Stabilized or Unstabilized DCM: Which Should You Choose?

Some commercial methylene chloride products contain a small amount of stabilizer, such as amylene, to support storage stability. Other grades may use different stabilizer systems or be supplied without an added stabilizer.

Stabilized DCM is often preferred for storage and routine industrial handling. Low-stabilizer or unstabilized material may be required when the additive could interfere with chromatography, synthesis or a downstream specification.

The RFQ should therefore state:

• Whether stabilized material is acceptable

• Required stabilizer type

• Maximum or target stabilizer content

• Expected storage period

• Intended analytical or manufacturing use

Do not assume that unstabilized DCM is automatically a higher-quality product.

Packaging, Storage and Safe Handling

Methylene chloride has a low boiling point and high vapor pressure. It should be handled through closed transfer systems or properly controlled laboratory equipment.

Store it in tightly closed, compatible packaging in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, protected from heat and direct sunlight. Packaging materials, seals and transfer tubing must be compatible with chlorinated solvents.

DCM vapor is heavier than air and may accumulate in low or poorly ventilated spaces. Odor must not be used as an exposure warning. Appropriate engineering controls, exposure monitoring and protective equipment should be selected according to the SDS and applicable workplace regulations.

Avoid exposure to open flames and excessive heat because thermal decomposition can generate hazardous gases.

Are There Restrictions on Methylene Chloride?

Yes. Methylene chloride is subject to significant occupational and product-use restrictions in multiple markets.

In the United States, TSCA regulations prohibit all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses. Certain continued uses—including qualifying laboratory, chemical-manufacturing and closed-system applications—are subject to workplace protection, recordkeeping and downstream-notification requirements.

The European Union also restricts dichloromethane in paint strippers. Other countries may impose licensing, end-use declarations, import controls or occupational exposure limits.

Before ordering, buyers should verify:

• Whether the intended use is permitted

• Whether the buyer and end user are eligible

• Required workplace exposure controls

• Import and distribution requirements

• Downstream notification obligations

• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements

Regulations can change. Current local requirements should always be reviewed before purchase or use.

Which Documents Should a DCM Supplier Provide?

Depending on the grade and destination, buyers may request:

• Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet or agreed specification

• Stabilizer information

• Impurity or chromatographic data

• Country of origin

• Manufacturing or retest date

• Packaging and transport information

• End-use or regulatory declarations

• Residual-solvent documentation when applicable

Why Source Methylene Chloride from AOZUN?

AOZUN helps buyers confirm the required DCM grade, water limit, acidity, stabilizer, impurity profile, packaging and destination requirements before quotation.

Supply is subject to lawful end use and regulatory review. COA, SDS and available supporting documents can be requested for technical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Methylene Chloride

Is methylene chloride organic or inorganic?

It is an organic chlorinated compound belonging to the halogenated hydrocarbon family.

Is methylene chloride a fine chemical or an intermediate?

It is primarily a bulk industrial solvent. It is not normally classified as a fine chemical, although it may be used as a processing medium or chemical feedstock in selected applications.

Are methylene chloride and dichloromethane the same?

Yes. Methylene chloride, dichloromethane and DCM all refer to CAS 75-09-2.

Is technical-grade DCM suitable for HPLC?

Not necessarily. HPLC grade requires specific controls for UV absorbance, residue, water and interfering impurities.

Does methylene chloride always contain a stabilizer?

No. Stabilizer type and concentration vary by grade and supplier. Confirm the stabilizer specification before ordering.

Is methylene chloride flammable?

DCM is not classified like a conventional highly flammable solvent under many test conditions, but it is volatile and can produce hazardous decomposition products when heated. It must still be handled under controlled conditions.

Can AOZUN supply DCM for any application?

Supply depends on the destination, end user and intended use. Restricted or prohibited applications cannot be supported.

Request a Quote for Methylene Chloride

Please provide:

• Required grade and purity

• Intended application

• Water and acidity limits

• Stabilizer requirements

• Required quantity and packaging

• Destination country

• End-user information

• Required documents

Contact AOZUN to discuss methylene chloride specifications, compliance requirements, packaging and current availability.