Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC)

Low-toxicity, readily biodegradable carbonate solvent and methylating intermediate for lithium battery electrolytes, eco coatings and fine chemical synthesis.

Product photo plus packaging, storage and loading conditions at our Dongguan facility.

At a Glance

CAS No. 616-38-6
Chemical Name Dimethyl carbonate (DMC, methyl carbonate, carbonic acid dimethyl ester)
Molecular Formula C3H6O3
Purity ≥99%
Origin China
Packaging 210 L steel drum (210 kg) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time 15–20 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Dimethyl carbonate — also called DMC, methyl carbonate or carbonic acid dimethyl ester — is one of the fastest-growing green chemical raw materials, widely described as a new cornerstone of environmentally friendly organic synthesis. As VOC controls tighten and the new-energy industry expands, conventional high-toxicity toluene and dimethyl sulfate are increasingly restricted, and DMC's low toxicity, ready biodegradability and multi-functional reactivity have made it the mainstream replacement.

Produced on an advanced synthesis and distillation line with water and trace impurities tightly controlled, the industrial grade holds a stable purity of over 99% with consistent batch specifications that will not disturb downstream synthesis catalysis or coating film formation. The clear, mild-odour liquid is compatible with alcohols, ketones, esters and aromatic hydrocarbons and dissolves resins and oils evenly. Its methyl and carbonyl groups let it serve both as a general diluent solvent and as a green methylating or carbonylating reagent. Its 28-day biodegradation rate is over 90% and waste treatment costs far less than for conventional aromatic or halogenated solvents. UN and HS codes are indicative and are confirmed before each shipment.

Key Advantages

One Material, Two Roles: Solvent and Synthesis Intermediate

Most solvents on the market can only dilute. DMC serves both coating dilution and organic methylation, replacing highly toxic dimethyl sulfate and phosgene so a single raw material covers several production lines and reduces inventory pressure.

Low Toxicity and Ready Biodegradability

Toxicity is far below aromatic and ketone solvents, with no heavy metal or aromatic residue and excellent biodegradation. Waste gas and wastewater treatment costs drop sharply, which suits food packaging, pharmaceutical and new-energy lines with strict compliance demands.

Broad Solvency That Improves Coating and Ink Quality

Even solvency for polyurethane, acrylic and nitrocellulose resins with a moderate evaporation rhythm. Spraying and printing are free of blushing and pinholes, film gloss and adhesion improve, and it blends directly into reducing-solvent and adhesive systems.

Steady Supply for New-Energy Demand, One-Stop Export Support

As a core base material for lithium battery electrolytes, DMC demand keeps rising with energy-storage and EV expansion. Our own large hazardous-goods warehouse holds long-term stock so supply does not break between peak and off seasons. Full container, LCL and tanker shipments are supported, with MSDS, COA, dangerous goods packaging certificate and commodity inspection documents, plus professional hazardous-cargo logistics and import registration follow-up.

Applications

Dimethyl carbonate is used in lithium battery electrolytes, environmentally friendly coatings and printing inks, polycarbonate synthesis, pharmaceutical and agrochemical production, and fuel oxygenate blending.

  • Lithium battery electrolyte material — a base carbonate solvent used in combination with EC and DEC to lower electrolyte viscosity and improve lithium-ion conductivity, suited to energy-storage batteries, EV power batteries and 3C lithium batteries.
  • Environmentally friendly coatings and printing inks — replaces high-VOC toluene and acetone in wood lacquers, metal baking paints and food-packaging flexo inks, cutting workshop emissions with even, bright film formation that meets low-VOC production standards.
  • Polycarbonate (PC) engineering plastic synthesis — a non-phosgene green production raw material with no highly toxic by-products, used for optical lenses, automotive plastic parts, electronic housings and medical PC sheet.
  • Pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis — a mild methylating reagent for antibiotics, antipyretic APIs and vitamin purification, generating only methanol and carbon dioxide as by-products for simple separation and higher API purity.

Technical Specifications

Appearance Colourless liquid with a fruity odour
Purity ≥99%
Molecular Formula C3H6O3
CAS No. 616-38-6
EINECS No. 203-594-3
Relative Density (water = 1) 1.07
Flash Point 17 °C (OC)
Boiling Point 90–91 °C
Hazard Classification Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability Reasonably stable at ambient temperature with low chemical activity; stores stably as long as strong alkali conditions are avoided
Solubility Insoluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents and miscible with acids and alkalis
Storage Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated non-combustible warehouse away from ignition sources and heat. Warehouse temperature should not exceed 37 °C and containers must stay sealed. Store separately from oxidisers, reducing agents and acids — never mixed. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation, and do not use equipment or tools that can produce sparks. The storage area must hold spill-response equipment and suitable containment material.

Composition

Component Concentration CAS No.
Dimethyl carbonate ≥99% 616-38-6

Transport & Compliance

UN No. UN1161
Hazard Class Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group II
HS Code 2920900090
Packaging 210 kg per drum (210 L steel drum)

UN and HS codes are shown for reference only — please confirm with us before shipment.

FAQ

What is your minimum order quantity?

Our MOQ is one 20GP container — up to 80 drums of 210 L.

What packaging do you offer?

Standard 210 L steel drums, plus IBC totes, ISO tank containers and small drums.

How many drums fit in a 20GP or 40GP, and can you consolidate?

Yes, we consolidate up to 5 product types in one shipment. A 20GP holds up to 80 drums (210 L); a 40GP holds around 130 drums (210 L).

What is the lead time?

15–20 working days after the deposit is received.

Which export documents do you provide?

COA, MSDS, commodity inspection certificate and dangerous goods packaging certificate. We can also assist with Certificate of Origin and other customs paperwork.

What payment terms do you accept?

T/T: 30% deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

Technical Documents

MSDS and batch COA for Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC) are available on request. Tell us your quantity and destination port and we will send the documents with your quotation. Request documents →

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