Methylene chloride

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Description

A colorless, volatile liquid that is used as a Solvent and cleaning agent. Methylene chloride is a highly effective solvent for many synthetic resins, oils, greases, and waxes. It is found in paint removers and as aerosol propellants. Methylene chloride can also be used as an Insecticide.

Synonyms and Related Terms

dichloromethane (IUPAC); methylene dichloride; methylene bichloride; DMC

Chemical structure

Methylene chloride.jpg


Other Properties

Miscible with ethanol, ether and dimethylformamide. Slightly soluble in water.

Composition CH2Cl2
CAS 75-09-2
Melting Point -95.1
Density 1.3255
Molecular Weight mol. wt. = 84.9
Refractive Index 1.4244
Boiling Point 39.75

Hazards and Safety

Inhalation produces a sedative like effect. Ingestion can cause lung irritation, it may decompose to form carbon monoxide and may result in a heart attack. Suspected carcinogen.

LINK: International Chemical Safety Card

Comparisons

Properties of Common Solvents


Sources Checked for Data in Record

  • R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966
  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 744
  • Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
  • Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979
  • The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 6140
  • Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998

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