Dichloromethane

CH₂Cl₂

IUPAC: Dichloromethane

CAS: 75-09-2

Overview

Dichloromethane (DCM) is one of the most widely used organic solvents in chemistry. It is dense, volatile, and dissolves a wide range of organic compounds. It is used extensively as an extraction solvent in chromatography and in decaffeination of coffee and tea.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 2 1.0080
Carbon C 1 12.0110
Chlorine Cl 2 35.4500

Elemental Composition

Uses

  • Organic chemistry solvent
  • Paint stripper
  • Coffee and tea decaffeination
  • Chromatography extraction

Fun Facts

  • DCM-based paint strippers have caused hundreds of deaths in bathtub refinishing due to enclosed-space use

Safety

  • ⚠ Probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2A)
  • ⚠ Metabolized to carbon monoxide in the body
  • ⚠ CNS depressant
  • ⚠ Fatal in enclosed spaces

Structure

SMILES

C(Cl)Cl

Properties

Type
organic
State
liquid
Molar Mass
84.93 g/mol
Density
1.3270 g/cm³
Melting Point
-96.7 °C
Boiling Point
39.6 °C
Solubility
20 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
83.9534
XLogP
1.5
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
0
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
3
Complexity
2.0

Also Known As

Methylene chloride DCM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name Dichloromethane.
What is the molecular weight of Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane has a molar mass of 84.933 g/mol.
What state is Dichloromethane at room temperature?
Dichloromethane is a liquid at room temperature.
Is Dichloromethane organic or inorganic?
Dichloromethane is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Dichloromethane?
Dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Chlorine (Cl).