Dimethyl ether

Dimethyl ether
Systematic name Methoxymethane
Other names Demeon Dimethyl oxide Dymel A Methyl ether Wood ether
Identifiers
Abbreviations	DME
CAS number	115-10-6 Y
PubChem	8254
ChemSpider	7956 Y
UNII	AM13FS69BX Y
EC number	204-065-8
UN number	1033
KEGG	C11144 Y
MeSH	Dimethyl+ether
ChEBI	CHEBI:28887 Y
ChEMBL	CHEMBL119178 Y
RTECS number	PM4780000
Beilstein Reference	1730743
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES COC
InChI InChI=1S/C2H6O/c1-3-2/h1-2H3 Y Key: LCGLNKUTAGEVQW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C2H6O/c1-3-2/h1-2H3 Key: LCGLNKUTAGEVQW-UHFFFAOYAU
Properties
Molecular formula	C2H6O
Molar mass	46.07 g mol−1
Appearance	Colourless gas
Odor	Typical
Density	1.97 g L-1
Melting point	-141 °C, 132 K, -222 °F
Boiling point	-24 °C, 249 K, -11 °F
Solubility in water	71 g dm-3 (at 20 °C)
log P	0.022
Vapor pressure	>100 kPa
Dipole moment	1.30 D
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation ΔfHo298	-184.1 kJ mol-1
Std enthalpy of combustion ΔcHo298	-1.4604 MJ mol-1
Specific heat capacity, C	65.57 J K-1 mol-1
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
GHS pictograms
GHS signal word	Danger
GHS hazard statements	H220
GHS precautionary statements	P210, P410+403
EU Index	603-019-00-8
EU classification	F+
R-phrases	R12
S-phrases	(S2), S9, S16, S33
NFPA 704	4 1 1
Flash point	-41 °C
Autoignition temperature	350 °C
Explosive limits	27%
Related compounds
Related ethers	Diethyl ether Polyethylene glycol
Related compounds	Ethanol Methanol
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties	n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic data	Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data	UV, IR, NMR, MS
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Dimethyl ether (DME), also known as methoxymethane, is the organic compound with the formula CH₃OCH₃. The simplest ether, it is a colourless gas that is a useful precursor to other organic compounds and an aerosol propellant.

Production

Today, DME is primarily produced by converting hydrocarbons sourced from natural gas or coal via gasification to synthesis gas (syngas). Synthesis gas is then converted into methanol in the presence of catalyst (usually copper-based), with subsequent methanol dehydration in the presence of a different catalyst (for example, silica-alumina) resulting in the production of DME. As described, this is a two-step (indirect synthesis) process that starts with methanol synthesis and ends with DME synthesis (methanol dehydration). The same process can be conducted using organic waste or biomass. Approximately 50,000 tons were produced in 1985 in Western Europe by using the methanol dehydration process. Alternatively, DME can be produced through direct synthesis, using a dual catalyst system that permits both methanol synthesis and dehydration in the same process unit, with no methanol isolation and purification, a procedure that by eliminating the intermediate methanol synthesis stage, the licensors claim promises efficiency advantages and cost benefits.

Both the one-step and two-step processes above are commercially available. Currently, there is more widespread application of the two-step process since it is relatively simple and start-up costs are relatively low. It is worth mentioning that there is a developing one-step liquid-phase process.

Applications

The largest use of DME is currently (2010) as substitute for propane in LPG used as fuel in household and industry. The largest use of DME for this purpose is in China. DME has two other primary applications: as a propellant in aerosol canisters, and as a precursor to dimethyl sulfate. As an aerosol propellant, DME is useful as a somewhat polar solvent. It can also be used as a refrigerant.

Feedstock

Several thousand tons of DME are consumed annually for the production of the methylating agent, dimethyl sulfate, which entails its reaction with sulfur trioxide:

CH₃OCH₃ + SO₃ → (CH₃O)₂SO₂

DME can also be converted into acetic acid using carbonylation technology related to the Monsanto acetic acid process:

(CH₃)₂O + 2 CO + H₂O → 2 CH₃CO₂H

Laboratory reagent and solvent

DME is a low-temperature solvent and extraction agent, applicable to specialised laboratory procedures. Its usefulness is limited by its low boiling point (−23 °C), but the same property facilitates its removal from reaction mixtures. DME is the precursor to the useful alkylating agent, trimethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate.

Fuel

Installation of BioDME synthesis towers at Chemrec's pilot facility

DME is a promising fuel in diesel engines, petrol engines (30% DME / 70% LPG), and gas turbines owing to its high cetane number, which is 55, compared to diesel's, which is 40–53. Only moderate modification are needed to convert a diesel engine to burn DME. The simplicity of this short carbon chain compound leads during combustion to very low emissions of particulate matter, NO_x, and CO. For these reasons as well as being sulfur-free, DME meets even the most stringent emission regulations in Europe (EURO5), U.S. (U.S. 2010), and Japan (2009 Japan). Mobil is using DME in their methanol to gasoline process.

DME is being developed as a synthetic second generation biofuel (BioDME), which can be manufactured from lignocellulosic biomass. Currently the EU is considering BioDME in its potential biofuel mix in 2030; the Volvo Group is the coordinator for the European Community Seventh Framework Programme project BioDME where Chemrec's BioDME pilot plant based on black liquor gasification is nearing completion in Piteå, Sweden.

The image below illustrates some of processes from various raw materials to DME.

In 2009 a team of university students from Denmark won the Urban Concept/Internal Combustion class at the European Shell Eco Marathon (The Shell Eco Marathon is an unofficial World Championship for mileage) with a vehicle running on 100% DME. The vehicle drove 589 km/liter, fuel equivalent to gasoline with a 50 ccm 2-stroke engine operating by the Diesel principle. As well as winning they beat the old standing record of 306 km/liter, set by the same team in 2007

Refrigerant

DME is also gaining popularity as a refrigerant with ASHRAE refrigerant designation R-E170. DME is also used in refrigerant blends with e.g. butane and propene.

Treating warts

A mixture of DME and propane is used in an over-the-counter device to treat warts, by freezing them.

Freezer spray

DME is the main constituent of freezer spray, used as a low temperature source in field testing of electronic components.

Safety

Unlike other alkyl ethers, DME resists autoxidation. DME is also relatively non-toxic, although it is highly flammable.

External links

• The International DME Association