Ingredient Dictionary

DIMETHYL CARBONATE

Dimethyl carbonate is a carbonate ester that is carbonic acid in which both hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups.

Definition

Dimethyl carbonate is a carbonate ester that is carbonic acid in which both hydrogens are replaced by methyl groups. A flammable, colourless liquid (m.p. 2-4C, b.p. 90C) with a characterstic ester-like odour, it is used as a 'green' methylating agent and as a solvent. It has a role as a reagent and a solvent.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII KE9J097SPN · registered name Dimethyl carbonate · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Pushes the product out (aerosol)PROPELLANTBase that dissolves other ingredientsSOLVENTListed as a fragrance-composition material (not a claim that it adds scent)FRAGRANCE

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

Other restriction: ban substances that deplete the ozone layer

Source: EU CosIng ingredient list

Reviewed by CIR: Final Report: Safety Assessment of Dialkyl Carbonates as Used in Cosmetics

Source: US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name 炭酸ジメチル: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機化合物である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

DIMETHYL CARBONATEINCI다이메틸카보네이트Korean label name (MFDS standard)Carbonic acid, dimethyl esterSynonym炭酸ジメチルJapanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 616-38-6
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 210-478-4
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID9029192
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID609192

IUPAC: Dimethyl carbonate
Molecular formula: C3H6O3
Molecular weight: 90.078 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: liquid
Colour: colourless
Melting/freezing point: 4.65 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 90.35 ℃
Flash point: 16.7 ℃(c.c.)
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: 12.9 / 4.2 %
Vapour pressure: 75.704 hPa(25℃)
Water solubility: 114.7 g/ℓ(20℃)
Vapour density: 3.1
Relative density: 1.0633 (25℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 0.354 (20℃)
Auto-ignition temperature: 458 ℃
Viscosity: 0.585 mPa S
Molecular weight: 90.09

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 20 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Solvent8
Intermediate4
Conductive agent2
Pigment2
Processing aids not otherwise specified2
Deodorizer1
Propellants, non-motive (blowing agents)1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

7 skin studies and 4 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low7

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 11 studies

Not classified
Skin Irritation · Screening
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · other guideline: no data according to
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA) · Screening · according to OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay) according to EU Method B.42 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)
Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (non-LLNA) · Screening · equivalent or similar to OECD Guideline 406 (Skin Sensitisation) The modified Magnusson-Kligman method used in the study is described in the test guideline.
Not likely to be sensitizing
skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA) · Screening · equivalent or similar to OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)
Classification not possible
Eye Irritation · Screening
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Moderate or Mild Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) equivalent or similar to
Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · other guideline: Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Testing Guidelines for Toxicology Studies, 59 NohSan No. 4200, January 28 1985. according to