Dimethyl ether is a compound that belongs to the group of ethers. It is readily chosen by consumers in diverse industrial branches due to a number of advantages such as: easy liquefaction, high compatibility with other propellants or good solubility for many substances. It is used for example in the automotive industry, household chemicals and the tanning industry.
Dimethyl ether is an organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O, which is e.g. a popular coolant, solvent, catalyst and stabiliser. It is produced in the methanol dehydration reaction or via synthesis from natural gas, coal or biomass. Dimethyl ether is the INCI name, i.e. a name used in the international INCI nomenclature. Chemical names of the compound are dimethyl ether and methoxy methane. The abbreviation DME is also frequently used. Its CAS number is 115-10-6.
Cosmetic products
The use of Dimethyl ether in the cosmetics industry is based on its gaseous properties. It is used as a propellant gas in aerosol sprays. It is effectively used by doctors to remove warts with the cryogenic method. As a gas, Dimethyl ether, may be liquefied under specific conditions; once liquefied, it acts as a solvent for a number of substances. It also exhibits a capability to reduce the viscosity of cosmetic formulations.
Automotive industry
The specific properties of Dimethyl ether make it an alternative for the conventional diesel oil. DME has a good flashability and a lower viscosity as compared to diesel oil. It has no corrosive effect on the metal parts of an engine. As a fuel, it does not emit harmful sulphur oxides or solid particles. As green raw materials such as biogas or biomass are used to produce Dimethyl ether, DME becomes a biofuel.
Construction industry
The popularity of DME as a propellant determines its use in the production of caulking polyurethane foams. The propellant and solvent are pumped simultaneously in this process. In consequence, the process is shortened and facilitated. Dimethyl ether is also suitable for the production of polystyrene foam, which is subsequently used to produce polystyrene slabs.
Leather tanning
In the leather tanning process, Dimethyl ether acts as a solvent. It is used in the tanning of cow, pig, sheep and goat hides. In particular, it is used in processes that require degreasing and/or drying in one or more solvents. DME is an effective tanning solvent, which improves the ecological safety of the process.
Refrigeration
When mixed with ammonia, Dimethyl ether is used in refrigerating equipment. As mixtures of those two compounds (40:60 weight ratio) are used, the refrigerating capacity of a machine increases. In addition, mineral oil very poorly dissolves in this coolant. As the mineral oil may interact with copper, it is possible to develop a machine that would have a low capacity and yet would be much more effective than currently manufactured machines.
Other applications of Dimethyl ether:
Dimethyl ether is a raw material with a number of advantages. The major benefits from the use of DME certainly include the possibility to use diverse raw materials in its production – if biogas or biomass are used, we obtain a much greener product, which complies with the principles of green chemistry. Moreover, Dimethyl ether is an easily liquefiable gas. This determines broad directions of its applications (chemical synthesis, fuels, aerosols); additionally, the gas generates relatively low logistic costs. As an engine fuel, it also ensures high energy efficiency. Moreover, the combustion of DME emits negligibly low levels of dusts and other pollutants.
