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Methylene Chloride / Dichloromethane (DCM)

Methylene Chloride / Dichloromethane (DCM)

Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane (DCM), is a volatile, polar, organochloride compound that is miscible with many organic solvents. It is commonly used as a solvent for organic reactions/extractions; also used in drug and pesticide manufacturing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dichloromethane has the chemical formula CH2Cl2. Methylene chloride has a sweet, ether-like smell and is a colorless liquid. It is a liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon that is volatile.

Yes, dichloromethane (also known as methylene chloride) is harmful to humans. It is considered a potential occupational carcinogen and can cause a range of health issues, including neurological damage, liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer.

Methylene chloride, often known as dichloromethane (DCM), is used in extraction procedures to dissolve and segregate substances according to their solubility. It is an effective solvent for liquid-liquid extractions due to its low boiling point and broad spectrum of organic compound dissolution, particularly in applications such as lipid extraction and coffee decaffeination. 

 

  • Properties of Solvents: DCM may dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances since it is an aprotic, polar solvent. Additionally, it is water insoluble, which is essential for liquid-liquid extractions. 

  • Examples of Extraction: Decaffeination: According to Wikipedia and Lab Alley, DCM has the ability to dissolve caffeine, making it possible to extract it from coffee beans.

  • Lipid Extraction: The NIH states that fatty acids can be evaluated and lipids extracted using DCM/methanol solutions. General Extraction: DCM may be used to extract a variety of chemicals from mixtures because to its broad dissolution range.

  • Separation: Evaporation or the use of a separatory funnel may readily separate DCM from the extracted chemicals because of its low boiling point and immiscibility with water.

Physical Properties

Density 1.326 g/mL (11.06 lb/gal) at 20°C

1.317 g/mL (10.99 lb/gal) at 25°C

Dichloromethane (DCM) does really have a higher density than water. At room temperature, its density is around 1.3 g/mL, whereas that of water is about 1 g/mL. When water and DCM are combined, the water will create the top layer and the DCM will form the bottom layer. 

 

Dichloromethane (DCM) is not miscible, meaning it doesn't mix entirely, yet it is somewhat soluble in water. This indicates that DCM will partially dissolve in water to produce a solution. Since DCM is denser and sinks to the bottom, it prefers to create a distinct layer when combined since it is less polar than water.

Dichloromethane poses risks even though it is the least harmful C1 chlorohydrocarbon. When inhaled, it can cause symptoms that range from fatigue to inflammation of the respiratory tract and even death. Although not enough research has been done to determine the level of exposure that causes cancer, it may also be carcinogenic.

Methylene chloride, another name for dichloromethane (DCM), is a polar substance. Despite having polar C-Cl bonds, the molecule is more on the verge of being nonpolar due to its symmetrical shape, which places the two chlorines on opposite sides of the carbon and results in a nearly zero net dipole moment. Because it can dissolve both polar and nonpolar molecules, it is nevertheless categorised as a polar solvent.

Methylene chloride, another name for dichloromethane, is a colourless, flammable, and volatile liquid with a pleasant smell. It is a useful solvent in a variety of applications due to its rapid evaporation rate and miscibility with numerous organic solvents.

Dichloromethane (DCM), also referred to as methylene chloride, is not safe to consume. Even though it could be found in trace amounts in drinking water, it is regarded as a pollutant and can be harmful if used in excess of what is advised.

Dichloromethane, another name for methylene chloride, is a colourless, volatile liquid that smells like chloroform. Methylene chloride is utilised in a wide range of industrial operations, such as metal cleaning and degreasing, paint remover manufacture, paint peeling, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Methylene chloride may indeed break down to produce carbon monoxide (CO). This breakdown product is well recognised to cause increased amounts of carboxyhemoglobin and decreased blood oxygen carrying capacity.

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