Dichloromethane

Prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998), published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998) superseding specifications prepared at the 39th JECFA (1992), published in
FNP 52 Add 1 (1992). ADI "should be limited to current uses", established at the 39th JECFA in 1992.
SYNONYMS Methylene chloride, methylene dichloride
DEFINITION Dichloromethane (DCM) is derived from the chlorination of methane during which other chlorinated methane derivatives may be formed. Propylene oxide, cyclohexane, and/or 2-methyl-2-butene are added as stabilizers. Purity depends on the amount of C2 and higher hydrocarbons in the methane and the extent of chlorination. Small amounts of several other chlorinated compounds may be present. Dichloromethane is commonly  recovered from extraction processes and several grades are commonly found in commerce. Dichloromethane is stable when dry but hydrolyzes in
the presence of water.
Chemical names Dichloromethane
C.A.S. number 75-09-2
Chemical formula CH2Cl2
Formula weight 84.93
Assay Not less than 99.0%
DESCRIPTION Clear colourless non-flammable liquid
FUNCTIONAL USESExtraction solvent