Product Name: Dimethyl Carbonate
Chemical Formula: C3H6O3
Synonyms: DMC, Carbonic acid dimethyl ester, Methyl carbonate
CAS Number: 616-38-6
Intended Use: Industrial solvent, intermediate for pharmaceuticals and polycarbonates, fuel additive
Supplier: Detailed company contact information needed for procurement or emergencies
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or company-specific emergency hotline
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2), Specific target organ toxicity (Category 3)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame symbol, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames. Avoid breathing vapors. Use eye protection.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eye contact, ingestion.
Chemical Substance: Dimethyl Carbonate
Concentration: ≥ 99%
Impurities: Methanol (trace amounts if present – check certification for each lot)
Other Constituents: No significant additives or stabilizers
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If breathing gets difficult, seek medical attention quickly.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical advice for irritation or persistent symptoms.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, removing contact lenses if easy. Immediate attention from a medical professional is important if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. Do not induce vomiting. Get medical attention if symptoms occur.
Symptoms: Eye irritation, possible narcotic effects, headache, dizziness.
Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray for cooling unopened containers
Unacceptable Media: Direct water jet on burning liquid might spread fire
Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor, may form explosive vapor-air mixtures
Products of Combustion: Carbon oxides (CO, CO2)
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing for firefighters
Advice: Evacuate area, fight fire from safe distance, cool exposed containers with water spray
Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment, ventilate area, keep away from ignition sources
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release into drains, ground, or watercourses
Clean-Up Methods: Contain spillage, absorb with inert material such as sand or earth, collect in suitable containers for disposal. Flush area with water after collection. Dispose waste following local regulations.
Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas, avoid inhalation, keep away from sources of ignition, avoid contact with skin and eyes
General Hygiene: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or drinking during use
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from heat, open flame, strong acids, and bases
Storage Temperature: Keep below 30°C, protect from direct sunlight
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, bases, reducing agents
Engineering Controls: Use mechanical ventilation, explosion-proof equipment in high-risk areas, eyewash stations, and safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, antistatic footwear
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or ventilation is inadequate
Exposure Limits: Occupational exposure limits not established universally; keep airborne levels as low as possible
Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
Odor: Faint fruity odor
pH: Not applicable (neutral, non-aqueous liquid)
Melting Point: 2–4°C
Boiling Point: 90°C
Flash Point: 16–18°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Comparable to other low-boiling solvents
Flammability: Highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 48 mmHg at 25°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Specific Gravity: 1.07 at 20°C
Viscosity: Low viscosity (0.65 mPa.s at 25°C)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage conditions
Reactive Conditions: Reacts with strong acids, bases, oxidizers; sensitive to moisture and high temperature
Hazardous Reactions: Can decompose giving off CO2, CO, methanol on heating
Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible methyl alcohol
Polymerization: Not known to occur under normal conditions
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral (rat): >5000 mg/kg; inhalation toxicity: respiratory irritation possible
Skin Contact: Low skin toxicity, but repeated contact dries or irritates skin
Eye Contact: Causes moderate to severe eye irritation
Inhalation: Vapors may cause drowsiness, headache, light-headedness
Chronic Effects: Long-term repeated exposure not fully evaluated; avoid unnecessary handling
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Mutagenicity: No data suggesting mutagenic effects
Target Organs: Central nervous system (through inhalation)
Environmental Fate: Readily biodegradable, expected to degrade rapidly in the environment
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96 hr): 100–200 mg/L
Bioaccumulation: Low potential (log Kow = 0.35)
Soil Mobility: High mobility in soil and water
Persistence and Degradability: Not persistent under normal environmental conditions
Precautions: Prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water
Waste Disposal Methods: Dispose as hazardous waste via licensed contractor. Incineration preferred for large quantities.
Container Disposal: Empty containers retain residue. Do not use containers for other purposes. Puncture and send to authorized site.
Regulatory Codes: European Waste Catalogue (EWC): 07 01 04; compliance with local, national regulations required.
UN Number: UN 1161
Proper Shipping Name: Dimethyl Carbonate
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Flammable Liquid
Transportation Modes: Road, rail, air, and sea
Special Precautions: Keep away from ignition sources, ventilate cargo area, comply with international regulations for packaging/handling
Inventory Status: Listed on TSCA (USA), EINECS (EU), DSL (Canada), REACH (EU registered)
Hazard Classification: Classified under GHS as flammable liquid, eye irritant
Labeling Requirements: GHS complaint labeling, hazard symbols and risk phrases
Other Legal Requirements: Subject to worker safety and environmental protection laws—refer to OSHA, EPA, REACH, and local regulations for further details
