Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane, CAS 75-09-2) is a versatile industrial solvent — used as an auxiliary blowing agent in flexible polyurethane foam manufacturing, and across solvent extraction, paint stripping and degreasing applications. Ambizent supplies MC worldwide, with a Certificate of Analysis on every shipment.
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane, CAS 75-09-2) is one of the more versatile industrial solvents in commercial use — a genuine dual-purpose chemical with two quite different buyer bases. Flexible polyurethane foam manufacturers use it as an auxiliary blowing agent; pharmaceutical, coatings, adhesive and industrial-cleaning companies use it as a solvent. Ambizent supplies MC to both, worldwide, with a Certificate of Analysis on every shipment.
Methylene Chloride as a blowing agent for flexible foam
In flexible polyurethane foam production — particularly continuous slabstock and MDI-moulded foam — the primary blowing reaction (isocyanate with water, generating CO2) is often supplemented with an auxiliary blowing agent to reach lower densities and softer foam grades. Methylene chloride has long been one of the two commercially significant auxiliary blowing agents for flexible foam (alongside CFC-11), valued because it is comparatively inexpensive and gives more vapour volume per unit weight than many alternatives.
Its use as a blowing agent is tightly regulated in the United States and European Union — US rules require vapour balance systems or carbon beds on storage vessels, regular equipment leak checks and worker exposure monitoring — and this regulatory pressure has pushed many producers in those markets toward CO2/water-blown alternatives. In a number of other manufacturing regions, however, MC remains a practical, cost-effective option for certain slabstock and moulded foam grades. Any facility using it as a blowing agent should follow the current Safety Data Sheet and the exposure and engineering controls applicable in their jurisdiction.
Applications
Auxiliary blowing agent for flexible polyurethane foam — used in flexible slabstock and MDI-moulded foam production, especially in markets where CO2/water-blown alternatives haven't fully replaced it.
Solvent extraction — pharmaceutical and food-grade decaffeination and natural-extract processing.
Paint & coating removers — fast-acting stripping and surface-preparation formulations.
Degreasing & precision cleaning — metal, electronics and precision-parts cleaning.
Adhesives & aerosols — solvent carrier for adhesive, aerosol and coating formulations.
Typical properties
Property
Typical value
Chemical name
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane)
CAS number
75-09-2
Appearance
Colourless liquid
Boiling point
~39.6 °C
Flammability
Non-flammable under normal conditions
Packaging
Drums, IBCs or bulk isotank, depending on volume and route
Values are typical and for guidance only; a batch Certificate of Analysis is provided with every shipment. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Why source Methylene Chloride from Ambizent
Certificate of Analysis on every shipment.
Worldwide supply from our UAE hub — the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and beyond.
Specification-matched packaging — drums, IBCs or bulk isotank.
Documentation handled — SDS, dangerous-goods paperwork, certificates of origin and Incoterms end to end.
Is Methylene Chloride used in polyurethane foam manufacturing?
Yes. Methylene chloride (MC) has long been used as an auxiliary blowing agent in flexible polyurethane foam — particularly flexible slabstock and MDI-moulded foam — where it supplements the CO2 generated by the isocyanate-water reaction to give softer, lower-density foam. Its use is tightly regulated in the US and EU (OSHA exposure limits, EPA emissions controls), which has pushed many producers there toward CO2/water-blown alternatives, but it remains a practical, cost-effective option in a number of manufacturing regions.
What safety controls does using MC as a blowing agent require?
US regulators (OSHA and EPA) require engineering controls such as vapour balance systems or carbon beds on MC storage vessels, regular leak checks on pumps, valves and connectors, and worker exposure monitoring. Any facility using MC as a blowing agent should follow the current Safety Data Sheet and applicable local regulations for handling, storage and worker protection.
What other industries use Methylene Chloride?
Beyond polyurethane foam, MC is widely used as a solvent for pharmaceutical and food-grade extraction (including decaffeination), in paint and coating removers, for degreasing and precision cleaning, and as a solvent carrier in adhesive and aerosol formulations.
What is the CAS number and basic identity of Methylene Chloride?
Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) has CAS number 75-09-2. It is a colourless, non-flammable-under-normal-conditions liquid with a boiling point of approximately 39.6 degrees Celsius, which is why it vaporises readily from the heat of the polyurethane foaming reaction when used as a blowing agent.
What packaging is Methylene Chloride supplied in?
Methylene Chloride is typically supplied in drums, IBCs or bulk isotank depending on volume and route. Ambizent matches packaging to your application and handling capability, with full Safety Data Sheet and dangerous-goods documentation.
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