Industrial Applications
Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as a solvent in the extraction and synthesis of antibiotics (such as ampicillin and cephalosporins) and vitamins, and participates in the extraction and separation of organic compounds during drug purification.
Plastics Processing: Serves as a foaming agent for polyurethane, a film-forming agent for cellulose acetate, and a solvent medium for polymers such as polycarbonate.
Metal Processing: Used for cleaning and degreasing precision instruments, effectively removing paint and oil from metal surfaces, and replacing flammable petroleum ether.
Food Processing: Used in extraction processes to remove coffee residue from coffee beans or extract oleoresin components from spices.
Refrigeration and Chemical Industry: Formerly used as a refrigerant (its use has decreased due to phosgene risks), and is also an intermediate in the synthesis of chemical products such as difluoromethane (R32).
Laboratory Uses
High-Efficiency Solvent: Due to its low boiling point (39.8℃) and moderate polarity, it is commonly used in organic synthesis reactions, recrystallization, and column chromatography purification.
Extraction and Separation: Utilizing its immiscibility with water, it is used to efficiently extract target compounds, such as active ingredients in natural products.
Anhydrous Preparation: Anhydrous dichloromethane can be obtained through desiccant treatment, suitable for reactions sensitive to moisture (such as those involving organometallic reagents).
Chromatographic Analysis: Chromatographic grade product (purity ≥99.9%) is used for HPLC analysis, exhibiting low UV absorption and batch-stability.
Consumer Products Sector:
Cleaning Products: Formerly used in paint removers and degreasers, but products containing this ingredient are banned from sale on platforms like Amazon due to toxicity concerns.
Chemical Auxiliaries: Used in small quantities in certain specialty cleaning agents or aerosol products; caution is advised regarding its potential carcinogenicity (Group 2A carcinogen).
Historical Uses: Early uses as a dental local anesthetic and fire extinguisher, but gradually being replaced due to safety concerns.