Substance profile
Dimethyl Carbonate
Dimethyl Carbonate is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Dimethyl Carbonate is
Dimethyl Carbonate is a colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C3H6O3 and its molecular weight is 90.08 g/mol. It boils at 90.5 °C, melts at 0.5 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dimethyl Carbonate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 90.5 °C (194.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 90 °C (194 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 90.91 °C (195.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 3 °C (37.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.0636 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.065 g/cm³ | at 17 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohol and ether | HSDB | |
| Miscible with acids and alkalies; stable in the presence of water; soluble in most organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| Soluble in oxygenated solvents | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 55.364 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 55.5046 mmHg | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 14 °C (57.2 °F) | Closed cup | HSDB |
| 18 °C (64.4 °F) | Open cup | HSDB | |
| -0.56 °C (31 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 458 °C (856.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 4.2 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 12.9 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.1 (air = 1) | ICSC | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 274.85 °C (526.7 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dimethyl Carbonate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Air sensitive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Vapor/air mixtures are explosive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DIMETHYL CARBONATE reacts with acids to liberate heat along with methanol and carbon dioxide. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing with alkali metals and hydrides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dimethyl Carbonate in the storage compatibility matrix →