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Chemical name: Dimethyl Carbonate
Synonyms: DMC, Carbonic Acid Dimethyl Ester
CAS number: 616-38-6
Molecular formula: C3H6O3
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild, pleasant odor
Common uses: Solvent in industrial processes, fuel additive, intermediate in pharmaceuticals and polycarbonate production
GHS classification: Flammable liquid, eye irritant
Relevant symbols: Flame, exclamation mark
Major hazards: Easily catches fire, can irritate eyes and respiratory system
Inhalation risks: High concentrations may cause dizziness and irritation
Skin/eye contact: Repeated or extended exposure may irritate eyes and skin
Main ingredient: Dimethyl carbonate
Concentration: Typically over 99%
Impurities: Trace methanol or water may be present
Inhalation: Move the person into fresh air, monitor for trouble breathing
Skin exposure: Wash off with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact: Rinse gently with water for several minutes, seek medical help if irritation remains
Swallowing: Rinse mouth, watch for symptoms, seek medical help if feeling unwell
Fire risks: Ignites easily, burning yields carbon oxides
Suitable extinguishing media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Special protective equipment: Firefighters need self-contained breathing gear
Explosion potential: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air
Special notes: Cool tanks with water if exposed to fire from a distance
Personal precautions: Use protective gloves, safety glasses, work upwind in open spaces
Spill management: Ventilate the area, soak up with inert materials like sand, scoop into sealed containers
Environmental concerns: Prevent spills from reaching drains and waterways
Cleanup tips: Thoroughly wash affected surfaces after removal
Safe handling: Keep away from sparks, flames, and heat sources; avoid breathing vapors
Storage needs: Store in tightly sealed metal or approved plastic containers in cool, dry spots, away from strong acids or bases
Incompatible materials: Strong bases, acids, oxidizers, amines
Workplace needs: Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static build-up
Permissible exposure limits: No established OSHA or ACGIH limit, handle with chemical hygiene precautions
Ventilation: Use in areas with good air flow, local exhaust preferred
Eye protection: Safety goggles or face shield
Skin protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, lab coat or apron
Respiratory protection: Use an approved respirator for high vapor levels or poor ventilation
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, fruity
Boiling point: Around 90°C
Melting point: Roughly 2°C
Flash point: Near 17°C (closed cup), much lower than water
Vapor pressure: Moderate at room temperature, increases with heat
Solubility: Mixes well with organic solvents, low solubility in water
Density: About 1.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids, bases, and oxidizers
Chemical stability: Stable at room temperature when kept dry and away from incompatible materials
Hazardous by-products: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide if overheated or burned
Conditions to avoid: Flames, heat, sparks, moisture
Acute toxicity: Low toxicity by single exposure, but inhaling vapor at high levels can bring on headaches or dizziness
Chronic exposure: Regular contact may dry and crack skin, repeated high exposure not well studied in humans
Eye irritant: Liquid can cause pain, redness, blurred vision
Sensitization: No clear evidence that DMC triggers allergies
Carcinogenicity: No links to cancer found in available tests
Aquatic toxicity: Breaks down rapidly in water, does not linger like heavy hydrocarbons
Persistence and degradability: Readily degraded under environmental conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential to build up in living organisms
Mobility: Moves easily in soil and water due to low adsorption
Preferred disposal: Burn at high temperature in a licensed chemical incinerator
Container rinsing: Triple rinse containers before recycling or disposal
Disposal restrictions: Keep liquid and waste away from soil, water sources, and open flames
Legal notes: Follow local, state, and federal regulations for chemical disposal
Shipping hazards: Classified as flammable liquid for road, rail, and air
Packing group: Group II
Hazard class: Flammable liquid (Class 3)
Transport tips: Ship in tightly closed, upright containers, separate from oxidizers and food items
Transport restrictions: Special labelling and documentation often mandatory
Global inventories: Registered under several national inventories, including US TSCA and EU REACH
Hazard communication: Falls under GHS labeling laws for flammable liquids and irritants
Worker safety: OSHA and EU regulations require risk assessments and safety data communication
Environmental law: Not listed as a priority pollutant, but spills trigger mandatory reporting in multiple countries
