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Refrigerants and blowing agents

Dimethyl ether

Also known as Methoxymethane, Methyl ether, Dimethyl oxide

CAS 115-10-6Formula C2H6OMolar mass 46.07 g/molEC 204-065-8
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Flammable, Gas under pressure 38 suppliers listed
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Dimethyl ether chemical structure, C2H6O, CAS 115-10-6
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless gas @ usual temp, but easily condensible
Melting point
-141.5 °C
Boiling point
-24.8 °C
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.61
Flash point
-41.1 °C
HS code
290919
Category
Refrigerants and blowing agents
UN number
UN 1033
Illustrative photo, a bundle of gas cylinders on a manifold in a chemical plant
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Dimethyl ether?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Dimethyl ether is an ether in which the oxygen atom is connected to two methyl groups.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
methoxymethane
CAS number
115-10-6 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 157621-61-9
EC number
204-065-8
Molecular formula
C2H6O
UNII
AM13FS69BX
MDL number
MFCD00008494
INCI name
DIMETHYL ETHER
InChIKey
LCGLNKUTAGEVQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C2H6O/c1-3-2/h1-2H3
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
COC

Synonyms

  • Methoxymethane
  • Methyl ether
  • Dimethyl oxide
  • Oxybismethane
  • Methyl oxide
  • Methane, oxybis-
  • Wood ether
  • Dymel A
  • Ether, dimethyl
  • Ether, methyl
  • Demeon D
  • Methane, 1,1'-oxybis-
  • (CH3)2O
  • dimethylether
  • methylether
  • Dimethyl ether, puriss., >=99.9% (GC)
  • monomethylether
  • Dimehtylether
  • Dymel
  • monomethyl ether
  • oxybis(methane)
  • mono methyl ether
  • Dimethyl ether 99%
  • OMe2
  • Dimethyl ether, >=99%
Show all 30 synonyms
  • 1,1'-Oxybismethane
  • Dimethyl ether, >=99.9%
  • Dimethyl ether, puriss., >=99.8%
  • UN 1033
  • Dimethyl ether [UN1033] [Flammable gas]

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless gas @ usual temp, but easily condensibleexp.
Odour
Slight ethereal odorexp.
Melting point
-141.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
-24.8 °Cexp.
Density
Relative density (water = 1): 0.61exp.
Flash point
-41.1 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
350 °Cexp.
Solubility
1 vol water takes up 37 vol gasexp.
Vapour pressure
4450 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
46.07 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
46.0419 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
0.26calc.
Topological polar surface area
9.23 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
3calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
1calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS04: Gas under pressure
Gas under pressure
421NFPA 704 rating

Hazard statements

  • H220Extremely flammable gas.
Precautionary statements (7)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P222Do not allow contact with air.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P377Leaking gas fire: do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely.
  • P381In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.
  • P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
UN number
UN 1033
Transport hazard class
2.1

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Dimethyl ether suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 38 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

38 suppliers in 13 countries

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Dimethyl ether price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Rocket propellant, anesthetic, starter for gasoline engines in cold weather.

Used as a refrigerant, solvent, propellant for aerosol sprays, and in making plastics.

The most common replacements for CFCs as solvent and propellant in spray cans are hydrocarbons and dimethylether/ water.

Extraction agent, ... catalyst and stabilizer in polymerization.

Industrial uses: Corrosion inhibitor, Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents), Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Sealant (barrier), Filler, Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents), Other.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name DIMETHYL ETHER(propellant, solvent, viscosity controlling)

Functional uses

  • Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity modifier

Cosmetic functions

  • Propellant
  • Solvent
  • Viscosity controlling

Pharmacology

Dimethyl Ether is a colorless volatile poisonous liquid compound used as a solvent, fuel, aerosol, propellant and refrigerant. (NCI)

How it is made

The preparation of dimethyl ether from methanol in the presence of acidic catalysts on a laboratory scale has been known for many years. ... Aliphatic ethers can be prepared by heating alcohols in the presence of zinc chloride. Other suitable catalysts are iron chloride, copper sulfate, copper chloride, manganese chloride, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, chromium sulfate, alums, thorium compounds, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, barium oxide, silica gel, and aluminum phosphate.

Read more

Aluminum oxide and aluminum silicate, with or without doping, are the most important catalysts for industrial use.

The catalytic dehydration of pure, gaseous methanol is carried out in a pipe reactor. The product is cooled in two stages and subsequently distilled to yield pure dimethyl ether.

Very pure dimethyl ether which is suitable as an aerosol propellant is obtained by special rectification processes.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 603-019-00-8

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Dimethyl ether is traded under.

HS 2909.19Indicative HS code

Acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives…

World exports in 2024
$10.2B
−8.7% vs 2023, imports $10.4B
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. United States32.0%
  2. China22.3%
  3. Saudi Arabia12.9%
Top importers
  1. Singapore16.5%
  2. Mexico14.8%
  3. Japan14.8%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Dimethyl ether is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Dimethyl ether, based on the data on this page

What is Dimethyl ether?

Dimethyl ether is an ether in which the oxygen atom is connected to two methyl groups.

What is the CAS number of Dimethyl ether?

The CAS registry number of Dimethyl ether is 115-10-6. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 157621-61-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Dimethyl ether?

The molecular formula of Dimethyl ether is C2H6O and its molar mass is 46.07 g/mol.

What is Dimethyl ether used for?

Rocket propellant, anesthetic, starter for gasoline engines in cold weather. Used as a refrigerant, solvent, propellant for aerosol sprays, and in making plastics. The most common replacements for CFCs as solvent and propellant in spray cans are hydrocarbons and dimethylether/ water. Extraction agent, ...

Is Dimethyl ether hazardous?

Dimethyl ether carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: extremely flammable gas. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Dimethyl ether?

Dimethyl ether is usually classified under HS code 290919 (Acyclic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Dimethyl ether?

CompoundList lists 38 suppliers of Dimethyl ether in United States, China, India, Japan and 9 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Dimethyl ether in India?

5 suppliers in India list Dimethyl ether on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Dimethyl ether?

Suppliers quote Dimethyl ether on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Dimethyl ether

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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