Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane (DCM) or methylene dichloride, is a volatile, colorless liquid mainly used as an industrial and laboratory solvent. It is valued for its ability to dissolve many organic materials and is used in applications involving chemical processing, adhesives, metal cleaning, laboratory work, plastics and rubber manufacturing, and other specialized industrial processes. Methylene chloride has the chemical formula CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚, CAS number 75-09-2, and a molecular weight of approximately 84.93 g/mol.
If you are searching for where can I buy methylene chloride, it should be sourced through a legitimate chemical supplier that can provide the appropriate product specifications, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and regulatory information for your intended professional use. Availability and permitted uses can depend on your country and application.
Methylene Chloride at a Glance
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Dichloromethane |
| Common Name | Methylene Chloride |
| Abbreviation | DCM |
| Chemical Formula | CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚ |
| CAS Number | 75-09-2 |
| EC Number | 200-838-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 84.93 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Physical Type | Volatile organic solvent |
| Main Industrial Role | Solvent and processing chemical |
Methylene chloride is one of the better-known chlorinated solvents and has been used across a wide range of industrial and commercial processes.
What Is Methylene Chloride?
Methylene chloride is the common name for dichloromethane, a chlorinated organic compound.
It is a clear, volatile liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Because it evaporates readily and dissolves many substances, it has historically been useful as a solvent in manufacturing, chemical processing and laboratory applications.
The chemical is commonly identified using several names:
- Methylene chloride
- Dichloromethane
- DCM
- Methylene dichloride
- CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚
- CAS 75-09-2
These names refer to the same chemical substance.
What Is Methylene Chloride Used For?
Methylene chloride has many documented industrial uses. Its applications include solvent use, chemical processing, laboratory work, metal cleaning, plastics and rubber manufacturing, adhesives and sealants, and certain specialized industrial processes.
Let’s look at some of its important uses.
1. Methylene Chloride as an Industrial Solvent
One of the most important uses of methylene chloride is as a solvent.
A solvent is a substance used to dissolve or disperse another material. DCM can dissolve many organic compounds while evaporating relatively quickly, which makes it useful in controlled industrial processes.
It has been used in:
- Chemical processing
- Industrial cleaning
- Manufacturing
- Laboratory applications
- Adhesive processing
- Polymer processing
- Specialized extraction processes
Its solvent properties are one of the main reasons methylene chloride has been used across different industries.
2. Chemical Manufacturing
Methylene chloride can be used as a processing solvent and chemical intermediate in certain manufacturing operations.
Chemical manufacturers may use DCM where a volatile chlorinated solvent is appropriate for a particular process.
The exact use depends on the manufacturing system, formulation and regulatory requirements.
For industrial chemical applications, businesses should always verify that the intended use is permitted in their jurisdiction.
3. Laboratory Applications
Methylene chloride is also used as a laboratory chemical.
Its solvent properties make it useful for certain analytical, synthetic and research processes.
Laboratories may use dichloromethane in controlled procedures involving:
- Organic chemistry
- Chemical analysis
- Sample preparation
- Research
- Laboratory extraction
- Solvent-based processing
EPA’s current U.S. rules specifically identify laboratory chemical use among the uses that can continue under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program, subject to the applicable requirements.
4. Metal Cleaning and Degreasing
Methylene chloride has also been used in metal cleaning and degreasing.
Its solvent properties can make it useful for removing certain oils, greases and other organic residues from metal components.
EPA identifies metal cleaning among documented industrial applications of methylene chloride.
Because of the chemical’s health hazards, however, professional users need to follow applicable workplace controls and the current rules for their location.
5. Adhesives and Sealants
Methylene chloride has been used in the manufacture and processing of certain adhesives and sealants.
It can act as a solvent that helps dissolve or process other ingredients.
EPA lists adhesives and sealants among applications associated with methylene chloride.
6. Plastics and Rubber Manufacturing
Another specialized application is plastics and rubber manufacturing.
EPA’s current U.S. risk-management framework allows certain uses in plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production, when the applicable workplace requirements are followed.
This is an example of why methylene chloride should not simply be described as “banned.” The regulatory position depends on the use, workplace controls, jurisdiction and specific legal requirements.
7. Solvent Welding
Methylene chloride can also be used for certain solvent-welding applications.
Solvent welding uses a solvent to soften or dissolve compatible plastic surfaces so that they can be joined.
EPA identifies solvent welding as one of the uses that can continue under its Workplace Chemical Protection Program in the United States, subject to applicable requirements.
8. Paint and Coating Removal
Methylene chloride has historically been well known for its use in paint and coating removers.
However, this is an area where regulations are particularly important.
In the United States, EPA’s 2024 final TSCA rule prohibited consumer paint and coating removal uses and also prohibits many other consumer and commercial/industrial uses.
In the European Union, dichloromethane-containing paint strippers are subject to restrictions under REACH Annex XVII, Entry 59. The rules restrict placing such products on the market and their use, with a limited derogation framework for certain specifically trained professionals in Member States that use the derogation.
Therefore, businesses should not assume that methylene chloride can legally be purchased or used for paint stripping simply because it has historically been used for that purpose.
9. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Processing
Methylene chloride has also been documented as a process solvent in the manufacture of various products, including pharmaceutical and chemical products.
In these applications, the chemical is used as part of a controlled manufacturing process rather than as a general-purpose consumer product.
The exact requirements depend on the manufacturing process and applicable regulations.
Why Is Methylene Chloride Useful as a Solvent?
Methylene chloride has several properties that have made it useful in industrial chemistry.
It is:
- A volatile organic solvent
- Able to dissolve many organic materials
- Relatively fast evaporating
- Useful in controlled chemical processes
- Suitable for certain laboratory applications
- Used in specialized manufacturing processes
Its combination of solvent properties and volatility explains why it has historically been used in many industrial applications.
Where Can I Buy Methylene Chloride?
If you are searching where can I buy methylene chloride, the appropriate source is a legitimate chemical supplier that serves professional, laboratory or industrial customers.
When sourcing methylene chloride, buyers should look for a supplier that can provide clear information about:
- Chemical identity
- CAS number
- Product specification
- Available grade
- SDS
- Certificate of Analysis where applicable
- Packaging
- Shipping requirements
- Regulatory status
- Permitted end use
For businesses purchasing DCM, the most important question is not simply whether a supplier lists the chemical online. You should also confirm that the specific intended use and transaction are permitted under the laws that apply to you.
Buy Methylene Chloride Online
Methylene chloride may be listed online by chemical suppliers and laboratory or industrial distributors.
However, online availability does not mean that every use is legally permitted.
For example, EPA’s current U.S. rule prohibits manufacturing, processing and distribution for all consumer uses and prohibits most industrial and commercial uses, while establishing a Workplace Chemical Protection Program for specified remaining uses.
For customers with legitimate professional requirements, a supplier should be able to provide appropriate product information and explain any applicable supply requirements.
What Should You Check Before Buying Methylene Chloride?
Before purchasing dichloromethane, check the following.
1. Correct Chemical Identity
Make sure the product is actually dichloromethane/methylene chloride.
The key identifiers are:
CAS: 75-09-2
Formula: CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚
Molecular weight: 84.93 g/mol
2. Product Specification
Check the supplier’s specification for the exact material being offered.
Do not assume that two products with the same chemical name have identical commercial specifications.
3. SDS
Always review the Safety Data Sheet before purchasing or using methylene chloride.
The SDS provides important information about hazards, handling, storage, emergency response and applicable precautions.
4. Certificate of Analysis
For professional and laboratory purchasing, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) can provide batch-specific information about the supplied material.
This can be particularly important when a particular specification is required for a manufacturing or research process.
5. Regulatory Requirements
Methylene chloride is subject to significant regulatory controls.
In the EU, dichloromethane is included in the REACH restricted-substances framework, including restrictions concerning paint strippers.
In the United States, EPA has established a comprehensive TSCA risk-management rule for methylene chloride.
Always check the rules applicable to your country, state and intended application.
Is Methylene Chloride Dangerous?
Yes. Methylene chloride requires careful professional handling.
It can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion and skin exposure, and exposure can affect the nervous system. High exposures can cause severe health effects. PubChem also reports regulatory hazard classifications including suspected carcinogenicity and other health hazards.
EPA’s risk-management actions were based on health risks including neurotoxicity and cancer risks associated with inhalation and dermal exposure.
This is why methylene chloride should be handled only in accordance with the relevant SDS, workplace controls and applicable regulations.
Methylene Chloride Safety
Professional users should pay particular attention to exposure control.
Important considerations include:
- Use only in an appropriate professional environment.
- Follow the product SDS.
- Use appropriate engineering controls.
- Prevent unnecessary inhalation exposure.
- Avoid skin and eye contact.
- Use appropriate protective equipment.
- Store the chemical according to the supplier’s SDS.
- Keep containers properly closed when not in use.
- Follow applicable hazardous-material transport requirements.
- Ensure workers are appropriately trained.
Do not treat methylene chloride as an ordinary household cleaning chemical.
Methylene Chloride CAS Number
The CAS number for methylene chloride is:
75-09-2
Its other important chemical identifiers include:
Chemical name: Dichloromethane
Common name: Methylene chloride
Formula: CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚
Molecular weight: 84.93 g/mol
EC number: 200-838-9
These identifiers are useful when comparing supplier specifications, SDS documents and regulatory information.
Methylene Chloride vs Dichloromethane
Methylene chloride and dichloromethane are the same chemical.
“Methylene chloride” is the common commercial name, while “dichloromethane” is the systematic chemical name.
You may therefore see the product listed as:
- Methylene chloride
- Dichloromethane
- DCM
- Methylene dichloride
All refer to CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚.
Methylene Chloride for Industrial Use
Methylene chloride remains relevant to certain specialized industrial processes, despite significant regulatory controls.
Current U.S. EPA rules identify permitted uses including certain:
- Chemical manufacturing
- Laboratory chemical applications
- Plastic and rubber manufacturing
- Polycarbonate production
- Closed-system processing aids
- Solvent welding
- Certain specialized government and aerospace-related uses
These uses are subject to the applicable workplace protection requirements.
This makes it important for businesses to distinguish between historical uses and currently permitted uses.
Why Choose a Professional Chemical Supplier?
When sourcing methylene chloride, a professional supplier should provide more than just a product name.
A reliable chemical supply process should make it possible to confirm:
Product Identity
The chemical should be clearly identified as dichloromethane/methylene chloride.
Documentation
Customers should be able to obtain appropriate product documentation such as an SDS and, where applicable, a COA.
Specification
The product specification should be clear before purchase.
Regulatory Information
The supplier and customer should understand the applicable restrictions for the destination and intended use.
Commercial Supply
Professional customers may require specific packaging, documentation and delivery arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is methylene chloride used for?
Methylene chloride is primarily used as a solvent in industrial and laboratory applications. Documented uses include chemical processing, metal cleaning, adhesives and sealants, plastics and rubber manufacturing, laboratory applications and other specialized processes.
What is another name for methylene chloride?
Another name for methylene chloride is dichloromethane (DCM). It is also called methylene dichloride.
What is the formula of methylene chloride?
The chemical formula of methylene chloride is CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚.
What is the CAS number for methylene chloride?
The CAS number is 75-09-2.
Where can I buy methylene chloride?
Methylene chloride can be sourced through legitimate professional chemical suppliers and distributors, subject to the applicable laws and restrictions for the intended use and destination.
Can I buy methylene chloride online?
Professional suppliers may list methylene chloride online, but online availability does not automatically mean that every customer or intended use is permitted. Applicable regulatory requirements should be confirmed before purchase.
Is methylene chloride the same as dichloromethane?
Yes. Methylene chloride and dichloromethane are two names for the same chemical, CHâ‚‚Clâ‚‚.
Is methylene chloride used as a solvent?
Yes. Solvent use is one of the main applications of methylene chloride. It has been used in chemical processing, laboratory work, cleaning and other industrial processes.
Is methylene chloride used in laboratories?
Yes. Laboratory chemical use is among the uses identified in the current U.S. EPA regulatory framework, subject to the applicable workplace requirements.
Is methylene chloride used for paint removal?
Historically, yes. However, paint and coating removal is now heavily restricted in several jurisdictions. In the U.S., EPA prohibits consumer paint and coating removal and has prohibited most industrial/commercial uses. In the EU, DCM-containing paint strippers are restricted under REACH.
Is methylene chloride hazardous?
Yes. Methylene chloride presents significant health hazards, including risks associated with inhalation and skin exposure. It should only be handled according to the applicable SDS, workplace controls and regulations.
Conclusion
Methylene chloride, or dichloromethane (DCM), is a versatile chlorinated solvent used in specialized industrial and laboratory applications. Its documented uses include chemical processing, metal cleaning, laboratory work, adhesives, plastics and rubber manufacturing and other controlled processes.
If you are searching where can I buy methylene chloride, look for a professional chemical supplier that provides clear product specifications, SDS documentation and appropriate regulatory information. Because regulations differ by jurisdiction and use, always confirm that your intended application is permitted before purchasing or using the chemical.
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