Metoksümetaan

Metoksümetaan, also known as dimethyl ether (DME), is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula CH3OCH3. It is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure, with a faint, ethereal odor. DME is the simplest ether and is structurally similar to ethane.

This compound is a byproduct of various industrial processes, including the production of methanol. It can also be synthesized directly from synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) through a catalytic process. DME is highly flammable and has a low boiling point, making it easy to liquefy under moderate pressure.

Historically, DME was used as a propellant in aerosol cans, a role it has largely been replaced in by other substances. However, it is gaining renewed interest as a potential clean-burning fuel. Its combustion produces very few particulate emissions and significantly less carbon dioxide compared to fossil fuels, making it an attractive alternative for transportation and power generation. DME can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including natural gas, coal, biomass, and even waste materials, offering a pathway towards renewable fuel production. Its properties also lend themselves to applications as a solvent and a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of other organic compounds.