Dichloromethane

1Identification

Name

Dichloromethane

IUPAC name

dichloromethane

CAS number

75-09-2

EC number

200-838-9

Molecular formula

CH2Cl2

Molecular weight

84.93 g/mol

InChIKey

YMWUJEATGCHHMB-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C(Cl)Cl

PubChem CID

6344

Synonyms

Methylene chloride, Methylene dichloride, Methane, dichloro-, Methylene bichloride, Methane dichloride, Solaesthin, Solmethine, Narkotil, Aerothene MM, Freon 30, Metylenu chlorek, Chlorure de methylene, Metaclen, CH2Cl2

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Methylene Chloride
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Methylene chloride is predominantly used as a solvent in paint strippers and removers; as a process solvent in the manufacture of drugs, pharmaceuticals, and film coatings; as a metal cleaning and finishing solvent in electronics manufacturing; and as an agent in urethane foam blowing. It is used as an extraction solvent for spice oleoresins, hops, and for the removal of caffeine from coffee. However, due to concern over residual solvent, most decaffeinators no longer use methylene chloride.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used as a paint stripper and an extraction solvent; [LaDou, p. 552] Also used as a blowing agent for polyurethane foam and a propellant for insecticides; [ATSDR Medical Management] No longer used as a fumigant in the U.S. [EPA Pesticides]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Solvent Other Processing aids not otherwise specified Fuel Cleaning agent Waterproofing agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Refrigerants Intermediate Adhesion/cohesion promoter Laboratory chemicals
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Cleaning agent Laboratory chemicals Intermediate Adhesion/cohesion promoter Solvent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Pesticides (chemicals used for killing pests, such as rodents, insects, or plants) · Food Additives -> EXTRACTION_SOLVENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Cosmetics -> Solvent

Description

• Methylene chloride is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Another name for it is dichloromethane. Methylene chloride does not occur naturally in the environment.Methylene chloride is used as an industrial solvent and as a paint stripper. It may also be found in some aerosol and pesticide products and is used in the manufacture of photographic film.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Dichloromethane appears as a colorless liquid with a sweet, penetrating, ether-like odor. Noncombustible by if exposed to high temperatures may emit toxic chloride fumes. Vapors are narcotic in high concentrations. Used as a solvent and paint remover.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• INHALATION: anesthetic effects, nausea and drunkenness. CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES: skin irritation, irritation of eyes and nose. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Toxic by ingestion. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Exposure in an enclosed area may be very harmful. · Contact may irritate or burn skin and eyes. · Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Dissociation products generated in a fire may be irritating or toxic. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Some of these materials may burn, but none ignite readily. · Most vapors are heavier than air. · Air/vapor mixtures may explode when ignited. · Container may explode in heat of fire.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Flammable under specific conditions. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Explosive under specific conditions. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Methylene chloride is a colorless liquid with a mild, sweet odor. Another name for it is dichloromethane. Methylene chloride does not occur naturally in the environment.Methylene chloride is used as an industrial solvent and as a paint stripper. It may also be found in some aerosol and pesticide products and is used in the manufacture of photographic film.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Methylene chloride is predominantly used as a solvent. The acute (short-term) effects of methylene chloride inhalation in humans consist mainly of nervous system effects including decreased visual, auditory, and motor functions, but these effects are reversible once exposure ceases. The effects of chronic (long-term) exposure to methylene chloride suggest that the central nervous system (CNS) is a potential target in humans and animals. Human data are inconclusive regarding methylene chloride and cancer. Animal studies have shown increases in liver and lung cancer and benign mammary gland tumors following the inhalation of methylene chloride.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Weakness. Unconsciousness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Dry skin. Redness. Burning sensation.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Pain. Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Extinguishant: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic gases and vapors (such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene and carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving methylene chloride.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 160 [Halogenated Solvents]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The following wastewater treatment technology has been investigated for dichloromethane. Concentration Process: Stripping.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Well closed. Cool. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Heat sensitive. Store under inert gas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• To minimize the decomp of dichloromethane, storage containers should be galvanized or lined with a phenolic coating.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Methylene chloride: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Use personal protective equipment. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Employees should be provided with & required to use impervious clothing, gloves, face shields (eight-in minimum), & other appropriate protective clothing necessary to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact with liq methylene chloride. ... Employees should be provided with & required to use splash-proof safety goggles where liq methylene chloride may contact the eye.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and natural rubber should not be used /for protective clothing/. Use neoprene for protective clothing. Do not use closed circuit rebreathing system employing soda lime or other carbon dioxide absorber because of formation of toxic compounds capable of producing cranial nerve paralysis. Equipment should not be iron or metal, susceptible to hydrogen chloride.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• (See OSHA respirator requirements for selected chemicals) NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister Any appropriate escape-ty…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• DICHLOROMETHANE reacts vigorously with active metals such as lithium, sodium and potassium, and with strong bases such as potassium tert-butoxide. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong caustics and chemically active metals such as aluminum or magnesium powders. The liquid will attack some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings. This compound reacts with sodium-potassium alloy, (potassium hydrogen + N-methyl-N-nitrosurea), nitrogen tetraoxide and liquid oxygen. It also reacts with titanium. On contact with water it corrodes iron, some stainless steels, copper and nickel. It is incompatible with alkali metals.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Somewhat water soluble. Subject to slow hydrolysis which is accelerated by light.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Mixtures of /dinitrogen/ tetraoxide with ... dichloromethane ... are explosive when subjected to shock of 25 g TNT equiv or less.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Mixtures of lithium shavings with several halocarbon derivatives are impact sensitive and will explode, sometimes violently. Such materials include: ... dichloromethane ....
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Dichloromethane dissolves endothermically in concentrated nitric acid to give a detonable soln.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• In the absence of moisture at ordinary temp, dichloromethane is relatively stable when compared with its congeners, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Dermal (Skin), Hepatic (Liver), Neurological (Nervous System)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Hepatic
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, blood, liver, heart and lungs. Exposure could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This may result in impaired functions. Exposure at high concentrations could cause lowering of consciousness and death. The effects may be delayed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the central nervous system. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste numbers U080 and F002, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Potential candidate for liquid injection incineration, with a temperature range of 650 to 1600 °C and a residence time of 0.1 to 2 seconds; for rotary kiln incineration with a temperature range of 820 to 1600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, hours for solids; and for fluidized bed incineration, with a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 1593

Shipping name

• UN 1593; Dichloromethane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 6.1; Dichloromethane
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Dichloromethane
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN1593
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 6.1 Poisonous materials (49 eCFR § 173.132)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1593 160
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Methylene chloride is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Halomethanes/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Dichloromethane is included on this list. Effective date: 10/4/82; Sunset date: 10/4/92.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• F002; When dichloromethane is a spent halogenated solvent, it is classified as a hazardous waste from a nonspecific source (F002), as stated in 40 CFR 261.31, and must be managed according to state and/or federal hazardous waste regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Certification of this color additive when used as an ink for marking fruit and vegetables is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from the certification pursuant to section 721(c) of the act. Restriction: No residues.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6344 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.