Dimethoxymethane (Methylal)

A low-boiling, high-solvency oxygenated solvent that replaces aromatic hydrocarbons in low-VOC coatings and inks.

At a Glance

CAS No.	109-87-5
Chemical Name	Dimethoxymethane (methylal; formaldehyde dimethyl acetal)
Molecular Formula	C3H8O2
Purity	On request
Origin	China
Packaging	210 L steel drum (170 kg) / IBC / ISO tank / small drum
Lead Time	15–20 working days after deposit

Product Overview

Dimethoxymethane — also called methylal or formaldehyde dimethyl acetal — is a low-boiling, high-solvency oxygenated solvent supplied as a blend of 85% dimethoxymethane and 15% methanol. Its outstanding VOC profile lets it replace high-pollution benzene-based solvents across environmentally compliant coatings and printing, industrial adhesives, electronic precision cleaning, pharmaceutical and fragrance synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates and fuel oxygenates, all produced on a stable, large-scale line with a complete set of export compliance documents.

It dissolves resins, pigments and oils almost as strongly as xylene, so existing formulations can switch away from aromatics directly and finished-product VOC falls sharply. The very low boiling point gives rapid drying without high-temperature curing, and the product blends in any ratio with ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ketones and hydrocarbons.

Key Advantages

Strong Solvency as an Aromatic Replacement

Dissolves resins, pigments and oils close to the level of xylene, so benzene-based solvents can be substituted directly in the formulation. Finished-product VOC drops sharply, environmental inspections are easier to pass and workshop exhaust upgrades are avoided.

Ultra-Low Boiling Point, Very Fast Drying

Fast evaporation leaves no blushing or watermark after spraying or printing and removes the need for high-temperature drying, shortening process time and improving yield on high-speed automated lines.

Wide Formulation Compatibility, No Separation

Can be blended in any ratio with ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ketones and hydrocarbons to make thinning solvents and adhesive solutions, with no major rework of proven formulations and low technical conversion cost.

Recoverable and Recyclable, Lower Long-Term Cost

The low boiling point makes distillation separation straightforward, so cleaning and blending waste streams can be recovered and reused several times, cutting hazardous-waste volume and disposal spend.

Applications

Methylal serves six distinct industrial routes: environmentally compliant coatings and printing, industrial adhesives, electronic precision cleaning, pharmaceutical and fragrance synthesis, agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates and fuel oxygenates.

• Eco-coatings and printing inks — a dedicated thinner for wood lacquers, automotive refinish paints and plastic gravure inks; it lowers formulation VOC while the film dries fast with even gloss and no benzene residue.
• Industrial adhesives — a diluent carrier for universal adhesives, polyurethane adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives; it adjusts viscosity, leaves no odour after curing and improves bond strength on the substrate.
• Electronics precision cleaning — removes oil and resin residue from PCB boards, plastic housings and printing screens; it flashes off quickly with no ionic residue and does not attack sensitive substrates.
• Pharmaceutical and fragrance synthesis — a low-temperature extraction solvent for plant actives and a blending medium for personal-care and food flavours; it is mild and does not damage the structure of the active ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Appearance	Colourless transparent volatile liquid with a chloroform-like odour
Purity	On request
Molecular Formula	C3H8O2
CAS No.	109-87-5
EINECS No.	On request
Relative Density (water = 1)	0.86
Flash Point	-17.8 °C (OC)
Boiling Point	42.3 °C
Hazard Classification	Class 3 flammable liquid
Stability	Volatile at ambient temperature; stable when dry and sealed, hydrolyses slowly on contact with water, so it must be stored away from moisture
Solubility	Slightly soluble in water; miscible with ethanol, ether and most organic solvents
Storage	Store in a cool warehouse below 29 °C, sealed and protected from light throughout. Keep segregated from strong acids and oxidisers. The area requires explosion-proof lighting, spark-free tools and sand or earth spill containment material.

Composition

Component	Concentration	CAS No.
Dimethoxymethane	85%	109-87-5
Methanol	15%	67-56-1

Transport & Compliance

UN No.	UN1234
Hazard Class	Class 3 flammable liquid
Packing Group	II
HS Code	2911000000
Packaging	170 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