© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Chemical Name: Dipropyl Carbonate
Common Uses: This compound often finds itself in specialty solvent applications or as an additive in organic synthesis. Its distinct carbonate structure creates a different risk profile compared to simpler organic solvents.
Appearance: This colorless liquid carries a faint, somewhat sweet odor. If you have ever worked around laboratory solvents, you might recognize that scent in the air.
CAS Number: 623-96-1
Molecular Formula: C7H14O3
Synonyms: Propyl carbonate diester, Carbonic acid dipropyl ester
Health Risks: Exposure to vapors at high concentrations could irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Liquid contact with skin or eyes isn't pleasant either and tends to cause redness and discomfort.
Flammability: Dipropyl carbonate is flammable. A spill near ignition sources almost always means a fire risk.
Inhalation Effects: Breathing too much of the vapor may lead to coughing or dizziness. Prolonged exposure adds headache, nausea, and fatigue to the mix.
Environmental Hazards: Spills that touch soil or drain into water bodies can travel quickly, raising local environmental concerns depending on the volume involved.
Main Ingredient: Dipropyl Carbonate (approx. 98-100%)
Possible Impurities: Propanol traces, carbonates with shorter or longer chain esters if the product isn't high-purity.
Physical State: Transparent liquid, generally handled as bulk chemical in drums or IBCs.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, sunlight or sitting outdoors usually helps until symptoms pass. Persistent symptoms should send you to a clinic.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin under running water with mild soap for a few minutes. It dries out skin, so a quick wash beats waiting it out.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water, keeping eyes open. Looking up to the ceiling helps water get under the eyelids.
If Swallowed: Drinking water to rinse the mouth seems wise, but medical attention comes next—best not to induce vomiting without guidance.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide work best. Water fog dampens enough but not direct strong jets.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Burning releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and irritating smoke.
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant gear. I trust those suits in all solvent fires.
Additional Tips: Remove containers from fire area if safe. If not, cooling the sides with water mist helps reduce explosion risk.
Personal Protection: Ventilate the area and clear out anyone without proper protective gear.
Spill Cleanup: Soak up small spills with inert absorbents like sand. For larger volumes, bundling the area with barriers or spill control booms helps stop further run-off.
Disposal of Cleanup Materials: Place both absorbent and contaminated tools in sealed containers for pickup by a licensed waste handler.
Safe Handling: Work in well-ventilated spaces and avoid sources of ignition. Use containers that resist corrosion.
Storage Conditions: Keep tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place. End-of-day checks for lid seals or minor leaks make life easier tomorrow.
Other Precautions: Separate from acids, oxidizers, or anything reactive. Combining them, even in accidental drips, could trigger unwanted chemical reactions.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhausts or fume hoods for indoor operations. Windows alone don’t do the trick with volatile solvents.
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, splash goggles, and long-sleeved coats work well. If you anticipate splashes, a face shield adds extra protection.
Respiratory Protection: Air-purifying respirators with organic vapor cartridges make sense for poor ventilation or high exposures.
Boiling Point: Around 178°C
Density: Close to 0.968 g/cm³
Solubility in Water: Low—insoluble or only slightly soluble
Vapor Pressure: Moderate, so containers should be kept closed until use
Odor Threshold: Faint, sweet perfume—usually detectable before reaching unsafe levels
Flash Point: About 64°C
Viscosity: Thin liquid, easy to pour
Stability: Stable at ambient temperatures in original containers. Direct sunlight over long periods, or proximity to heat sources, promotes breakdown.
Materials to Avoid: Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers. Mixes with these materials sometimes result in heat, fumes, or pressure buildup.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Thermal decomposition gives off gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Routes of Exposure: Primary exposure comes from inhalation and skin contact.
Acute Effects: Eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation reported in those who failed to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Chronic Effects: No strong evidence links long-term, low-level exposure to lasting health problems, but some solvents have proven unpredictable after years of use.
Aquatic Toxicity: Not considered highly toxic to aquatic life in small spills, but concentrated discharges threaten sensitive species.
Persistence: Breaks down in the environment, still poses localized risk in case of accident.
Bioaccumulation: Low, not likely to build up in food chains significantly.
Waste Disposal: Collect any spill residue and unused product, label them as hazardous chemical waste, and send off for specialist incineration or solvent recycling.
Sewer/Drain Guidance: Pouring residuals down the drain, even in dilute form, brings environmental headaches and possibly fines.
Local Regulation Compliance: Disposal must adhere to city and county rules that address flammable liquid waste.
Shipping Classification: Typically shipped as a flammable liquid, requiring careful labeling.
Packaging Requirements: Ships in sealed drums, IBCs, or smaller containers certified for chemical cargo.
Transport Hazards: Fire and spill risk dominate; straps and secondary containment become important on the road.
OSHA Status: Regulated as a hazardous chemical for the workplace.
Chemical Inventory: Registered in chemical inventories in Europe and other jurisdictions.
Labeling Requirements: Pictograms for flammable liquid and health hazard, plus warnings on skin, eye, and inhalation risks.
