What Is Methylene Chloride?
Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild, sweet odor. The ability of methylene chloride to dissolve many organic compounds makes it especially useful as a solvent.
Other names for methylene chloride include methylene bichloride, methane dichloride, and methylene dichloride. The methylene chloride CAS number is 75-09-2. The methylene chloride chemical formula is CH2Cl2.
Because of its volatility and effectiveness, methylene chloride has long been a preferred choice for processes requiring rapid evaporation and strong solvency. However, methylene chloride is also associated with significant health and environmental concerns, leading to tighter regulations and restrictions for methylene chloride in recent years.
Despite these challenges, methylene chloride continues to play an important role in specialized applications where alternatives cannot yet match its unique combination of properties. Understanding both the benefits and the risks of methylene chloride is essential for ensuring safe handling and compliance with evolving industry standards.
Methylene chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that does not occur naturally in the environment.
Video: Best Methylene Chloride Replacement Solvent
What Is Methylene Chloride Used For?
Uses of methylene chloride include:
- Methylene chloride Industrial solvent cleaning and degreasing of metal parts, often in a vapor degreaser
- Extraction solvent for removal of caffeine from unroasted coffee beans and tea leaves
- Antibiotic and other pharmaceutical synthesis
- Production of photographic films and printed circuit boards
- Methylene chloride as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams
- Plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production
- Propellant in some aerosol and pesticide products
- Feedstock for refrigerant R 32
In addition, methylene chloride was once widely used as a paint stripper, but that use has been curtailed by government regulations due to hazards associated with methylene chloride use.
Is Methylene Chloride Banned?
In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final risk management rule for methylene chloride under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule prohibits the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and prohibits most industrial and commercial uses.
Distribution to consumers was prohibited beginning May 5, 2025. Most prohibited industrial and commercial uses ended April 28, 2026. Prohibited uses include:
- Industrial and commercial use as a solvent for batch vapor degreasing
- Industrial and commercial use as a solvent for in-line vapor degreasing
- Industrial and commercial use as a solvent for cold cleaning
- Industrial and commercial use as a solvent for aerosol spray degreasing or cleaning
Certain specialized uses may continue under the EPA’s Workplace Chemical Protection Program, which includes exposure limits, monitoring, regulated areas, employee training, recordkeeping, and other workplace controls. For uses subject to this program, the EPA established an eight-hour Existing Chemical Exposure Limit of 2 parts per million.
In November 2025, the EPA extended certain Workplace Chemical Protection Program compliance dates by 18 months for non-federal laboratories. This extension applies only to laboratory workplace-protection requirements and does not change the April 28, 2026 prohibition date for most industrial and commercial uses.
Why Is It Important to Find a Methylene Chloride Substitute Solvent?
In its risk characterization, the EPA found unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment in 52 of 53 conditions of use. Adverse effects due to chronic inhalation or dermal exposures included:
- Cancer
- Neurotoxicity effects (central nervous system depression)
- Liver effects
- Other nervous system effects
- Immune system effects
- Reproductive and developmental effects
- Irritation and burns
Long-term exposure to methylene chloride may affect the brain, causing memory impairment, decreased coordination, and reduced thinking ability. Methylene chloride is metabolized to carbon monoxide, which may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The EPA reports that since 1980, at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride.
Benefits of BestSolv® Bravo as a Methylene Chloride Substitute
The EPA ban of methylene chloride for solvent cleaning leaves manufacturers looking for a methylene chloride alternative. Enter BestSolv® Bravo, a hydrofluoroether (HFE) solvent that offers effective heavy-duty cleaning power in a safe and sustainable solvent.
Effective Degreasing Without the Use of Methylene Chloride
BestSolv® Bravo offers excellent solvency, effectively replacing methylene chloride as a solvent in degreasing applications without compromising on cleaning performance. The low surface tension on BestSolv® Bravo ensures that the solvent infiltrates narrow areas on complex parts. BestSov™ Bravo cleans contaminants such as oils, greases, silicones, flux and wax.
Improved Safety for Workers
Using BestSolv® Bravo mitigates health risks associated with methylene chloride, enhancing workplace safety and ensuring a healthier environment for workers.
Lower Environmental Impact and Regulatory Compliance
BestSolv® Bravo has a lower environmental impact compared to methylene chloride. By choosing BestSolv® Bravo, businesses can align with stringent environmental regulations, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Environmental benefits include:
- Low Global Warming Potential
- Zero Ozone Depletion Potential
- Not a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP)
- Not a PFAS under current EPA definition
No New Capital Equipment Purchase
BestSolv® Bravo is a drop-in methylene chloride substitute solvent that does not require purchasing new capital equipment. Converting a vapor degreaser from methylene chloride to BestSolv® Bravo is as easy as draining and cleaning the vapor degreaser, and resetting the thermostat settings.
BestSolv® Bravo vs. Methylene Chloride Comparison
| BestSolv® Bravo | Methylene Chloride | |
| Composition | Hydrofluoroether (HFE) blend with 1,2 trans DCE | Methylene Chloride (CH2Cl2) |
| CAS # | #156-60-5 – trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | #75-09-2 |
| Cleaning Performance | Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty |
| Boiling Point | 114°F / 45.5 °C | 103.6 °F / 39.8 °C |
| Kauri-Butanol Value | 94 Kb | 136 Kb |
| Chemical Stability | Near azeotrope, very chemically stable for continued recycling in a vapor degreaser | Chemically unstable, stabilizers are added for use in a vapor degreaser |
| Flammability | Non-flammable | Vapor is flammable only in high concentrations (14-22% in air) |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20 °C | 292 mmHg | 350 mmHg |
| Surface Tension | 19 dynes/cm | 27.2 dynes/cm |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Low | Low |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | None | None |
| Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Designation | Yes – 1,2 trans DCE is a VOC. | Yes |
| Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Designation | No | Yes |
Solvent Cleaning Experts
When you’re looking for a methylene chloride alternative solvent, look to Best Technology. Learn from our experts about your options for a methylene chloride substitute, as well as replacements for other legacy solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE), n-propyl bromide (nPB) and perchloroethylene.
For expert help with cleaning solvent alternatives, contact our chemical sales department using our web contact form, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.
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