Dikloorometaani

Dikloorometaani, also known as methyleenchloride or dichlooromethaan (IUPAC name: dichloromethane), is a halogenated hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH2Cl2. It is a colorless, volatile liquid used widely as a solvent in industry and laboratories. Its boiling point is about 39.6°C, and it has a density of roughly 1.3 g/mL at room temperature. It is highly soluble in many organic solvents and only sparingly soluble in water, with typical solubility around 1–2 g per 100 mL at 20°C.

Production and uses

Dikloorometaani is produced on a large scale by chlorination of methane or via related chlorination processes. It is valued for its excellent ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, making it a common solvent in paint stripping, metal degreasing, polymer processing, pharmaceutical extraction, and the production of various specialty chemicals. It is also used as a solvent in some laboratory procedures and in the food industry as a processing aid for certain extracts.

Safety and environmental aspects

Dikloorometaani is volatile and can be inhaled easily, which poses health risks. Short-term exposure can cause dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged or repeated exposure may affect the liver and nervous system. It is regarded as toxic to aquatic life and should be managed as hazardous waste. In fires, combustion can release toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride and phosgene, so appropriate safety measures are required. Regulatory agencies often impose occupational exposure limits and restrict its use in consumer products in some regions.

See also

Other common industrial solvents and halogenated hydrocarbons often used as laboratory solvents.