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
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
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