Dichloromethane (CAS#75-09-2) Market Overview: Pricing and Supply Trends

Market Insights and Industrial Applications

Dichloromethane (CAS#75-09-2) is an essential organic chemical widely used in the chemical industry. It is a colorless, highly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet odor and plays a crucial role in numerous industrial processes. The following overview outlines its key properties, current market relevance, and major application areas.

Chemical Properties

Dichloromethane, with the molecular formula CH₂Cl₂, is classified as a chlorinated hydrocarbon and has a molecular weight of approximately 84.93 g/mol. A notable physical characteristic is its low boiling point of around 39.6 °C, which results in rapid evaporation at ambient temperatures—an important advantage for applications requiring fast solvent removal.

With a density of about 1.3266 g/cm³ at 20 °C, Dichloromethane is denser than water and settles below it when mixed. This property is beneficial in liquid–liquid separation processes.

Under normal conditions, Dichloromethane remains chemically stable. However, exposure to elevated temperatures, strong oxidizing agents, or ultraviolet radiation can cause decomposition, potentially generating hazardous by-products such as hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Therefore, appropriate handling, storage, and safety measures are essential.

Applications

Dichloromethane is utilized in a wide range of industrial and commercial fields:

Pharmaceutical Industry:
It functions as an efficient solvent in the extraction and purification of pharmaceutical compounds, enabling the separation of active ingredients from complex formulations.

Adhesives and Bonding Agents:
By dissolving various polymers, Dichloromethane helps form uniform adhesive solutions. As the solvent evaporates, it leaves behind strong, durable bonds.

Paint Removal:
Its powerful solvency allows it to disrupt the chemical structure of paints and coatings, facilitating their removal from surfaces such as metal, wood, and plastic.

Polyurethane Foam Manufacturing:
Dichloromethane is used as a blowing agent. During processing, its rapid vaporization creates gas bubbles that form the characteristic porous structure of polyurethane foam.

Summary

Owing to its favorable physical properties and broad functional range, Dichloromethane remains a highly valuable solvent and processing aid across multiple industries. Its versatility, efficiency, and established role in manufacturing continue to support strong demand in the global chemical market.