Ethylene carbonate stands out among industrial chemicals for its structure and versatility. This organic compound carries the molecular formula C3H4O3 with a molecular weight of 88.06 g/mol. It typically shows up in the form of colorless to white crystals or solid flakes at room temperature, with some manufacturers supplying EC as fine powder, pearls, or, less often, a viscous liquid under specific storage conditions. EC holds CAS Number 96-49-1 and falls under HS Code 29171990, which sorts it as a cyclic carbonate, distinguishing it among raw materials for chemical synthesis works worldwide. I’ve seen EC shipped in drums as solid flakes and in large bulk bags filled with granules—each form offering straightforward handling outside of the common solvents crowding chemical warehouses.
The crystal lattice of ethylene carbonate creates a solid that holds together at temperatures below its melting point of 34-37°C. Once warmed slightly, the flakes become a clear, odorless liquid. Its boiling point lands at around 248°C under normal atmospheric pressure, signaling robust thermal stability for industrial processing. EC weighs in with a density of 1.32 g/cm³ at 25°C, which means that it sinks in water, yet dissolves completely in both water and common organic solvents like acetone and ethyl acetate. I’ve observed its solubility used to advantage in labs aiming for fast, clean dissolutions for electrolyte preparation. With a polar, cyclic structure composed of a five-membered ring (including two carbons and three oxygens), this carbonate bridges organic and inorganic chemistry, offering compatibility as a raw material for reaction pathways ranging from transesterification to ring-opening processes.
Manufacturers balance between customer need and safe packaging by presenting EC in several stable forms—solid powder, crystalline flakes, and refined pearls. Purities usually reach 99% or more, as lower grades bring impurities that can disrupt sensitive syntheses, especially for battery electrolytes or pharmaceuticals. I’ve handled EC where every shipment demanded moisture content checks; excessive water disrupts reactions and can accelerate hydrolysis. Some technical data sheets specify viscosities and refractive indices, useful for process engineers in battery manufacturing or resin production. Bulk density caters to logistics—it directly impacts how much fits per liter of shipping space. The product’s melting point serves as a threshold for transport and storage, with manufacturers emphasizing stable, dry environments to prevent EC from absorbing water or degrading.
Ethylene carbonate forms the backbone of lithium-ion battery electrolytes, helping to stabilize high-voltage materials and extend cell cycle life. Its ability to dissolve lithium salts far surpasses ordinary esters or carbonates, which benefits battery makers by supporting high ionic conductivity. Beyond batteries, EC participates in syntheses of polycarbonate plastics, lubricants, surfactants, and even in refining oil field chemicals. In polymer chemistry, it reacts as an intermediate—opened up by nucleophiles to introduce functional groups or trigger chain growth. My work in a specialty polymer lab brought EC up constantly—one bottle served several different processes, from solvent to actual feedstock, reinforcing its multipurpose value as a specialty raw material.
Every time I’ve worked with EC, safe handling guided my choices. Despite being less volatile than ethylene oxide, EC poses moderate risk: exposure to large quantities or vapors brings irritation to eyes and respiratory tract; ingestion calls for rapid medical attention. Protective equipment—goggles, gloves, lab coats—always made a difference on the floor, especially since EC’s solid or powder forms produce dust that can linger. EC does not ignite easily, but sustained heat or confined fires call for upgraded preparedness, since decomposition can release carbon monoxide. As a raw material, it shows low acute toxicity, and most regulatory assessments classify it as more benign compared to other cyclic ethers. Yet, careful containment and waste management play important roles in keeping spills or run-off out of soil and water systems, especially when large-scale battery materials are at play.
Quality control and supply chain complexity pose steady challenges for EC. Demand from electric vehicle and energy storage sectors regularly tests the limits of current production capacities. Variations in EC purity or unwanted side-product contamination reduce yields or force reprocessing, delaying downstream manufacturing. It’s an issue I’ve faced: one contaminated batch halt can cause cascading delays, not only in research, but across production timelines for batteries or resins. Better purification, consistent supplier audits, and automated impurity detection have cut down on those problems, but raw material traceability still needs progress, especially as green chemistry advocates push for higher recycling and reduced environmental impact. Shifting more EC supply chains to circular models—recovering spent solvents and residues—offers hope for sustainable growth. Greater data sharing on EC batches and upstream source transparency also gives procurement teams better control over quality and safety risks.
Ethylene carbonate delivers real, measurable impact across several major industries. Its unique balance of solid and liquid characteristics, thermal robustness, and chemical adaptability make it much more than a single-use commodity. Working with EC means respecting its power and its hazard potential, keeping focus on rigorous quality, careful stewardship, and the push for safe, responsible application as new industries demand ever-purer, ever-greener raw materials.
