Complete Guide: Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC)

If Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) plays a critical role in your industrial applications—whether for battery electrolytes, solvents, methylation agents, or polycarbonate production—this guide provides the key insights needed to make a confident purchasing decision.

Dimethyl Carbonate is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₆O₃, valued for its high reactivity, low toxicity, and environmentally friendly profile. DMC is a versatile intermediate used in chemical synthesis and is becoming increasingly popular as a green substitute for traditional solvents and reagents.

Description

Dimethyl Carbonate is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a mild ester-like odor. It is produced through transesterification of methanol with phosgene-free processes or via oxidative carbonylation. DMC has low toxicity, rapid biodegradability, and excellent solvency properties.

Its main industrial applications span across pharmaceuticals, coatings, adhesives, fuel additives, and lithium-ion battery electrolyte formulations.

Property | Specification

Dimethyl Carbonate Applications

DMC is a highly adaptable compound used in numerous industries:

1. Battery & Electronics Industry

• High-purity DMC serves as an essential electrolyte solvent for lithium-ion batteries.

• It enhances conductivity and thermal stability in battery systems.

2. Pharmaceutical & Agrochemical Synthesis

• Acts as a methylating and carbonylating agent in green chemistry reactions.

• Offers a less toxic substitute for dimethyl sulfate or methyl halides.

3. Coatings & Paints

• Serves as a fast-evaporating solvent in polyurethane and acrylic coatings.

• Used as a VOC-compliant alternative in industrial paints and inks.

4. Fuel Additives

• Functions as a blending agent in gasoline to improve oxygen content and reduce emissions.

• Considered a safer replacement for methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE).

5. Polycarbonate Resin Production

• Precursor for synthesizing polycarbonate plastics in non-phosgene processes.

• Ensures lower environmental impact during polymer formation.

Dimethyl Carbonate Grades & Uses

Is Dimethyl Carbonate Toxic?

DMC is classified as low-toxicity and is safer than many traditional reagents it replaces.

• Biodegradable and not classified as carcinogenic.

• May cause mild irritation to eyes or respiratory tract upon exposure.

• Always handle with appropriate PPE and consult MSDS guidelines.

Is Dimethyl Carbonate Flammable?

Yes. DMC is highly flammable with a low flash point (17°C).

• Must be stored in cool, ventilated, fireproof areas.

• Keep away from heat sources, sparks, and incompatible oxidizing agents.

• Use explosion-proof electrical systems during handling.

Dimethyl Carbonate vs. Traditional Solvents

DMC stands out as a green solvent with multiple functional groups, enabling it to replace more hazardous or volatile compounds in modern manufacturing.

Purity Standards

• Industrial Grade: ≥ 99.0% purity

• Battery/Electronics Grade: ≥ 99.9% with < 50 ppm moisture and low acid content

• Must meet REACH, ISO 9001, GHS, RoHS, or national chemical safety standards.

Price & Supplier Considerations

Price depends on:

• Purity level and moisture control

• Grade (battery, industrial, pharma)

• Volume and packaging (bulk tanks vs. drums)

• Region and transportation costs

Key Supplier Evaluation Checklist

• Certificates of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Battery-grade or high-purity options available

• Tamper-proof and corrosion-resistant packaging

• Consistent moisture control and trace impurity testing

• Timely shipping and tech support on storage/usage

Avoid suppliers who can’t provide detailed specs or lack compliance certifications. Poor-quality DMC can impair battery life, create safety risks, or lead to failed synthesis reactions.

Buy Dimethyl Carbonate

1. Define Application

• Is it for electrolytes, chemical synthesis, or solvents?

• What purity and moisture level is required?

2. Request Technical Documentation

• Ask for TDS, COA, and MSDS for the intended grade.

• Battery and pharma users should insist on ppm-level impurity control.

3. Perform Compatibility Testing

• Run pilot tests for solubility, reaction efficiency, or battery life impact.

• Validate specs before large-scale purchase.

4. Check Packaging and Storage

• Ensure airtight sealed containers.

• Verify compliance with UN-approved chemical transport standards.

5. Choose Trusted Suppliers

• Prefer vendors offering after-sales service, formulation advice, and hazard compliance assistance.