Methylene Chloride

Dichloromethane (DCM or methylene chloride) is an organochloride compound with the formula CH2Cl2. This colorless, volatile liquid with a chloroform-like, sweet odour is widely used as a solvent. Although it is not miscible with water, it is polar, and miscible with many organic solvents. DCM’s volatility and ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds makes it a useful solvent for many chemical processes. In the food industry, it has been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and other flavorings.Its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams.