methylene chloride
A worker carefully pours methylene chloride into a labeled container in a laboratory.
Noun: A colorless, volatile liquid with the chemical formula CH₂Cl₂. It is a chlorinated hydrocarbon primarily used as an industrial solvent, paint stripper, and in various manufacturing processes. It is known for being nonflammable and having a relatively low toxicity compared to other chlorinated solvents, though it still poses health risks.
This term is used in industrial, chemical, and safety contexts to refer to the specific chemical compound. It is a technical term. - The laboratory used methylene chloride to degrease the metal parts. - Strict ventilation is required when working with methylene chloride due to its vapors. - The safety data sheet for the paint stripper listed methylene chloride as the primary active ingredient.
- As a refrigerant: In some specialized applications, methylene chloride has been used as a refrigerant, though this use has declined.
- Older refrigeration systems sometimes employed methylene chloride as a working fluid.
- Dichloromethane (DCM): This is the systematic IUPAC name for the same chemical compound and is often used interchangeably in scientific literature.
- The reaction was carried out in dichloromethane.
- Dichloromethane (DCM): The formal chemical name.
- Methylene chloride exposure: A phrase used in occupational health and safety.
- Regulations limit methylene chloride exposure in the workplace.
- Methylene chloride-based: Describing a product formulated with this solvent.
- A methylene chloride-based paint remover.
A worker carefully pours methylene chloride into a labeled container in a laboratory.
- a nonflammable liquid used as a solvent and paint remover and refrigerant