Industrial and battery-grade dimethyl carbonate for the U.S. market. Available in drums, totes, and bulk. Certificate of analysis, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Three purity tiers to match your application. All grades ship with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤1,000 ppm |
| Methanol | ≤0.15% |
| Acidity | ≤0.10% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.9% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤200 ppm |
| Methanol | ≤0.02% |
| Acidity | ≤0.05% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤5 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.01% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.99% (4N) |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤10–30 ppm |
| Methanol | ≤0.002% |
| Acidity | ≤10 ppm |
| Total metals | ≤1 ppm each |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤5 ppm |
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl Carbonate |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DMC |
| CAS Number | 616-38-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 210-478-4 |
| UN Number | UN 1161 |
| Transport Class | Class 3, Packing Group II |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 90.6°C (195°F) |
| Melting Point | 2–4°C (36–39°F) |
| Flash Point | 18°C (64°F) |
| Density @ 20°C | 1.069–1.073 g/mL (8.95 lbs/gal) |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.3687–1.3695 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | ~54 hPa |
| Water Solubility | 13.9 g/100 mL (partial) |
| Odor | Mild, pleasant |
| VOC Status (U.S. EPA) | Exempt since Jan 2009 |
DMC serves as both a high-performance solvent and a reactive chemical intermediate across several high-growth industries.
Dimethyl carbonate is one of the primary co-solvents in lithium-ion battery electrolyte systems. A standard electrolyte formulation combines ethylene carbonate (EC) with DMC — and often diethyl carbonate (DEC) or ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) — to dissolve lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) and optimize ion transport. DMC's low viscosity improves lithium-ion mobility, particularly at low temperatures, addressing cold-weather EV performance limitations. Its electrochemical stability window is compatible with graphite anodes and high-energy cathode materials. Battery-grade DMC (≥99.99%, moisture ≤30 ppm) is required — trace water or methanol contamination degrades LiPF₆ and accelerates cell degradation. The global DMC battery electrolyte segment is projected to grow at over 18% CAGR through 2030, driven by electric vehicle production volume.
DMC enables the production of polycarbonate (PC) and polycarbonate polyols via transesterification, entirely eliminating the need for phosgene (COCl₂) — an acutely toxic industrial gas used in traditional PC synthesis. In the DMC-based route, dimethyl carbonate reacts with bisphenol A or diols to form polycarbonate with methanol as the sole byproduct. This phosgene-free process now dominates new plant construction globally, driven by safety requirements and environmental regulation. High-purity DMC (≥99.9%) is required to avoid catalyst poisoning and discoloration in the polymer product.
Dimethyl carbonate is EPA VOC-exempt under 40 CFR Part 51 (Federal Register E9-1150, effective January 2009), making it a compliant drop-in replacement for high-VOC solvents including methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), xylene, and toluene in coating and adhesive formulations. Formulators operating under Air Quality Management District (AQMD) regulations can switch to DMC without reformulation penalties. DMC offers a fast evaporation rate (3.22 relative to butyl acetate = 1.0), strong solvating power for resins and polymers, and low toxicity — making it attractive for waterborne and high-solids coating systems across architectural, industrial, and automotive applications.
DMC is an established green methylating agent for O-methylation and N-methylation reactions, replacing dimethyl sulfate (DMS) and methyl iodide (MeI) — both classified as carcinogens and severe health hazards. Unlike DMS, dimethyl carbonate is not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin (CMR compound). DMC methylates anilines, phenols, amines, and carboxylic acid derivatives under mild conditions, with CO₂ and methanol as the only byproducts — not toxic sulfate residues. It is used in synthesis of anisoles, methyl esters, N-methyl amines, and carbamate intermediates in pharmaceutical API and agrochemical manufacturing.
DMC has been evaluated and used as a gasoline oxygenate additive, providing oxygen content that reduces CO and hydrocarbon emissions. DMC contains 53% oxygen by weight — substantially more than MTBE (18%) — and improves octane rating when blended at 1–5% v/v. It is fully biodegradable and non-persistent in groundwater, a significant advantage over MTBE, which has been banned in multiple U.S. states due to aquifer contamination. DMC blends do not exhibit the phase separation issues common in high-percentage ethanol blends.
DMC is effective as an industrial degreaser for precision parts, electronics, and optical components where low toxicity and VOC-exempt status are operationally critical. It is fully biodegradable, has no established OSHA PEL, and is not classified as a reproductive or carcinogenic hazard — preferred in confined or poorly ventilated manufacturing environments. Fast evaporation minimizes surface residue, and its partial water miscibility simplifies wastewater handling compared to fully non-polar solvents.
Green chemistry summary: Dimethyl carbonate replaces phosgene in polycarbonate synthesis, replaces dimethyl sulfate as a methylating agent, and replaces VOC-active solvents in coatings — three independent green chemistry substitutions in a single molecule. DMC is fully biodegradable, non-persistent in soil and water, and produced industrially without hazardous reagents via oxidative carbonylation of methanol or transesterification of cyclic carbonates.
From R&D samples to full bulk tanker quantities. Contact us for current pricing, MOQ, and lead times for your required volume and grade.
All documentation available upon request — use the contact form to request documents.
Dimethyl carbonate (CAS 616-38-6) is a colorless, low-toxicity organic carbonate with molecular formula C₃H₆O₃ and molecular weight 90.08 g/mol. It functions as a versatile solvent, methylating agent, and chemical intermediate across battery, polymer, coatings, and pharmaceutical applications. It is U.S. EPA VOC-exempt and recognized as a green alternative to phosgene and dimethyl sulfate.
Industrial grade DMC (≥99.5%) has moisture ≤1,000 ppm and suits coatings, adhesives, and general solvent use. Battery grade DMC (≥99.99%) requires moisture ≤30 ppm, methanol ≤0.002%, and tightly controlled metals and HF impurities. These strict limits are necessary to protect lithium salt (LiPF₆) stability and electrochemical performance in lithium-ion battery cells — even low-ppm contaminants degrade cycle life.
Yes. The U.S. EPA formally excluded DMC from the definition of volatile organic compounds in January 2009 (Federal Register E9-1150), based on its negligible contribution to tropospheric ozone formation. This makes DMC a compliant replacement for MEK, xylene, and toluene in coating and adhesive formulations subject to Air Quality Management District regulations — no VOC credit needed.
Battery electrolyte applications require battery or electronic grade DMC: purity ≥99.99% (4N grade), moisture ≤10–30 ppm (Karl Fischer), methanol ≤0.002%, acidity ≤10 ppm, and total metals ≤1 ppm each. HF content is also strictly monitored. These specifications ensure LiPF₆ stability, prevent electrolyte decomposition, and maintain cell cycle performance.
Yes. DMC is an established, safer alternative to dimethyl sulfate and methyl iodide for O-methylation and N-methylation. Unlike DMS, DMC is not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin (CMR compound). Byproducts are CO₂ and methanol — not toxic sulfate residues. It is used commercially in synthesis of anisoles, N-methyl amines, methyl esters, and carbamate intermediates.
CARMELSOLV™ supplies DMC in samples and R&D quantities, 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon (208L) steel drums, 275–330 gallon IBC totes, and bulk tanker quantities. Contact us for current pricing and lead times for your required volume and purity grade.
Yes. We can supply small R&D and evaluation quantities of dimethyl carbonate. Use the quote form on our homepage to discuss sample availability and lead time.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS, GHS-formatted), Certificate of Analysis (COA, lot-specific with all QC parameters), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and TSCA compliance confirmation are all available on request via the contact form.
Dimethyl carbonate is a flammable liquid classified UN 1161, Hazard Class 3, Packing Group II. Flash point is 18°C (64°F). Shipments require compliant packaging, appropriate placarding, and proper shipping papers. CARMELSOLV™ ships throughout the continental United States via LTL and full truckload carriers.
Yes. CAS 616-38-6 is listed on the U.S. EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory and is fully compliant for commercial manufacture, import, and distribution in the United States. CARMELSOLV™ imports and distributes DMC in full compliance with U.S. import and chemical regulations.
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