Knowledge
Material Safety Data Sheet - Dimethyl Carbonate
Identification
Chemical Name: Dimethyl Carbonate
Synonyms: Carbonic acid dimethyl ester, DMC
CAS Number: 616-38-6
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Recommended Use: Solvent, intermediate in chemical synthesis, fuel additive
Manufacturer Details: Company contact information, emergency phone number, and mailing address required on original SDS provided by manufacturer
Hazard Identification
GHS Classification: Flammable liquids (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2A), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure (Category 3)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. May cause eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Pictograms: Flame, Exclamation mark
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. Use explosion-proof equipment. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid breathing vapors. Wash exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Substance: Dimethyl Carbonate
CAS Number: 616-38-6
Concentration: 99% or greater by weight
Impurities and Stabilizers: Minor amounts of methanol or other related carbonates, specifications based on supplier's QC documents
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek medical attention for prolonged exposure or if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing right away. Wash skin with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical help if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes slowly and gently with water for at least 15 minutes, lifting eyelids frequently. Remove contact lenses if safe to do so. Obtain medical attention if discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention. Never provide anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Key Symptoms: Eye redness, skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, CO2, or water spray.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet may spread the fire.
Special Hazards: Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Combustion releases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and trace toxic gases.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing.
Special Procedures: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Evacuate area of unprotected personnel.
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Ventilate area. Use non-sparking tools.
Protective Equipment: Use suitable chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. Use appropriate respirator based on spill size and location.
Containment: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Contain with inert absorbent material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Stop source if safe.
Clean-Up Procedures: Absorb spill with inert material. Place contaminated material in labeled, closed containers for disposal. Avoid letting product enter drains or waterways.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid discharge to environment. Notify authorities in the event of large spills.
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Ground and bond all containers. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Avoid inhaling vapors and contact with skin or eyes.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers. Keep cool and well-ventilated. Keep away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances. Segregate from strong acids, bases, and oxidizers.
Other Guidance: Do not reuse empty containers. Label all vessels clearly. Implement regular leak and spill checks.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Occupational Exposure Limits: Dimethyl carbonate not assigned a US OSHA PEL, but suppliers may recommend 100 ppm TWA as guideline. Always check local regulations.
Engineering Controls: Use exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below recommended limits. Use explosion-proof local exhaust at sources of vapor.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety goggles or face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), flame-retardant lab coats or apron, and suitable protective footwear.
Respiratory Protection: Use approved respirators in high vapor environments or if ventilation is inadequate.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking, and after handling chemical.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, pleasant odor, somewhat fruity
Odor Threshold: Not available
Boiling Point: 90°C (194°F)
Melting Point: 2–4°C (36–39°F)
Flash Point: 17°C (63°F) closed cup
Flammability: Highly flammable
Vapor Pressure: 55 mmHg at 20°C
Vapor Density: 3.1 (air = 1)
Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (13 g/L at 20°C), fully miscible with alcohols and ethers
Density: 1.069 g/cm3 at 20°C
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 458°C (856°F)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Partition Coefficient (log Pow): 0.354
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage conditions.
Reactivity: Can react vigorously with strong bases, acids, and oxidizers.
Conditions to Avoid: Sparks, open flames, static discharge, high temperatures, direct sunlight.
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, acids, oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde under fire conditions.
Toxicological Information
Likely Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 oral, rat: 12,130 mg/kg; LD50 dermal, rabbit: >20,000 mg/kg
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, possible central nervous system effects at higher concentrations.
Skin Contact: Can cause mild to moderate irritation.
Eye Contact: Can cause irritation, redness, tearing.
Chronic Effects: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity in available studies. Prolonged or repeated exposure may aggravate pre-existing conditions.
Other Data: Low systemic toxicity in animal studies but always consider vulnerable populations during evaluations.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing skin, eye, or respiratory disorders
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: LC50 fish (Brachydanio rerio) 96h: 755 mg/L; EC50 Daphnia magna 48h: >500 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable with 87% degradation after 28 days (OECD 301A)
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low potential for bioaccumulation (log Pow ~0.354)
Mobility in Soil: Expected to have high mobility based on water solubility and low adsorption
Other Adverse Effects: Spills to waterways can affect aquatic organisms at high concentrations yet quickly diluted and degraded in most environments
Notes: Responsible management prevents persistent impacts, always prioritize spill containment and immediate reporting
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Suitable for incineration by licensed chemical waste contractor.
Container Disposal: Containers should be triple-rinsed, then punctured and recycled or disposed by approved service.
Special Precautions: Avoid discharge to sewers, surface water, or soil. Do not reuse empty packaging.
Waste Codes: Classified as hazardous waste in many jurisdictions; check EPA RCRA code D001 (ignitable waste) and other applicable state rules
Transport Information
UN Number: UN1161
Proper Shipping Name: Dimethyl Carbonate
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid
Marine Pollutant: Not classified as marine pollutant by IMDG
Special Transport Notes: Keep away from foodstuffs, strong oxidizers, and acids. Ensure proper ventilation during transport.
Regulatory Transport References: Complies with IATA, IMDG, ADR/RID, and US DOT shipping standards
Regulatory Information
OSHA: Covered under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EPA (SARA Title III): Not listed as extremely hazardous or CERCLA hazardous substance
REACH (Europe): Registered and compliant
California Proposition 65: Not listed
Additional National / Regional Regulations: Check country-specific inventory and workplace exposure requirements. Always reference most current local SDS and regulatory circulars.
Label Requirements: Hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements must appear on all workplace and commercial packaging
