Industrial and battery-grade diethyl carbonate for the U.S. market. A low-toxicity symmetric linear carbonate used in the canonical EC/DMC/DEC Li-ion battery electrolyte, nitrocellulose lacquers, and pharmaceutical solvent applications. COA, SDS, and full traceability with every order.
Industrial and battery purity tiers — each grade ships with a lot-specific certificate of analysis.
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.5% |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤500 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤0.01% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Ethanol | ≤0.1% |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤0.02% |
| Assay (GC) | ≥99.99% (4N) |
|---|---|
| Moisture (KF) | ≤30 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤10 ppm |
| Total metals | ≤1 ppm each |
| Ethanol | ≤0.002% |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤5 ppm |
| Chemical Name | Diethyl Carbonate |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | DEC |
| CAS Number | 105-58-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₀O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 118.13 g/mol |
| EINECS Number | 203-311-1 |
| UN Number | UN 2366 |
| Transport Class | Class 3, Packing Group III |
| TSCA Status | Listed on TSCA inventory |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 126–128°C (259–262°F) |
| Melting Point | -43°C (-45°F) |
| Flash Point | 25°C (77°F, closed cup) |
| Density @ 20°C | 0.975 g/mL (8.13 lb/gal) |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | 0.75 mPa·s |
| Refractive Index (n20/D) | 1.3845 |
| Vapor Pressure @ 20°C | ~10 hPa |
| Water Solubility | ~2% (very limited) |
| Odor | Mild, pleasant ester |
DEC's combination of low viscosity, moderate boiling point, low toxicity, and phosgene-free production makes it valuable across battery, industrial solvent, and pharmaceutical applications.
Diethyl carbonate is a well-established co-solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. The ternary EC/DMC/DEC (1:1:1 by volume) with 1 M LiPF₆ is one of the most widely referenced baseline electrolyte formulations in battery research and industrial practice — a reference system from which application-specific electrolyte compositions are often derived. DEC contributes low viscosity, a slightly higher boiling point than DMC (offering marginal thermal stability advantages), and a different solvation shell geometry that influences Li⁺ transport. DEC's electrochemical stability window is compatible with graphite anodes and standard cathode materials. Battery-grade DEC (≥99.99%, moisture ≤30 ppm, metals ≤1 ppm) is required for electrolyte applications to protect LiPF₆ stability and cell performance.
Diethyl carbonate is an effective solvent for nitrocellulose (NC) in lacquer, coating, and adhesive systems. DEC offers lower toxicity than traditional NC solvents (acetone, MEK, butyl acetate), is not classified as a reproductive toxicant or carcinogen, and provides a controlled evaporation rate well-suited for brush and spray lacquer application. DEC-based NC lacquers produce smooth, clear films with good hardness and adhesion. As formulators seek safer alternatives to ketone and ester solvents under VOC and worker safety regulations, DEC has gained adoption as a partial or full replacement.
Diethyl carbonate is an acceptable pharmaceutical solvent for use in drug synthesis and formulation. It is not specifically listed in ICH Q3C (Guidelines for Residual Solvents) as a Class 1 or Class 2 controlled solvent, placing it in the Class 3 (low toxicity concern) category — meaning it can be used without strict per-day dose limits when appropriate for the API synthesis route. DEC's low toxicity, absence of CMR classifications, and relatively straightforward metabolic fate make it a practical choice for pharma process chemistry applications where more toxic solvents (DMF, NMP, DCM) are to be avoided.
DEC is a reagent in organic synthesis — it serves as a source of ethyl and carbonate groups in transesterification, etherification, and carboxylation reactions. It reacts with phenols, amines, and alcohol-bearing substrates in mild conditions. DEC is produced industrially via phosgene-free routes (transesterification of propylene carbonate with ethanol, or oxidative carbonylation), which avoids hazardous chlorinated intermediates and aligns with green chemistry principles. In the chemical industry, DEC participates in the synthesis of urethanes, carbamates, and specialty esters.
Phosgene-free production: Modern DEC production does not require phosgene (COCl₂), one of the most acutely toxic industrial gases. DEC is manufactured via transesterification of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with ethanol, or through oxidative carbonylation of ethanol — routes that are safer, produce no chlorinated byproducts, and can be conducted with CO₂-derived carbonates, reducing the overall carbon footprint of production.
From R&D samples to bulk quantities. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and lead times.
All documentation available on request via the quote form below.
Diethyl carbonate (CAS 105-58-8) is a colorless, mildly flammable symmetric linear carbonate with formula C₅H₁₀O₃ and MW 118.13 g/mol. Boiling point 126–128°C, flash point 25°C, density 0.975 g/mL. DEC is used in Li-ion battery electrolytes, as a nitrocellulose solvent in coatings, in pharmaceutical synthesis, and as a chemical intermediate. It is classified UN 2366, Class 3, PG III.
EC/DMC/DEC 1:1:1 with 1 M LiPF₆ is one of the most widely referenced baseline Li-ion battery electrolyte compositions. EC provides high dielectric constant and SEI formation; DMC provides low viscosity and high ionic mobility; DEC contributes slightly different solvation geometry and a higher boiling point. This ternary system is a common starting point for electrolyte development and optimization for specific cell chemistries.
Yes. DEC is an effective solvent for nitrocellulose in lacquers, coatings, and adhesives. It offers a controlled evaporation rate, lower toxicity than ketone and aromatic solvents, and no CMR classification. As a diethyl carbonate ester, it provides good NC solvation with smooth film formation — particularly useful in spray and brush lacquer systems where working time matters.
Yes. Modern industrial DEC production uses phosgene-free routes — principally transesterification of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with ethanol, or oxidative carbonylation of ethanol. These processes avoid the acutely toxic chlorinated gas and produce no chlorinated byproducts. CARMELSOLV™ sources DEC from manufacturers operating green-chemistry production processes.
DEC is classified UN 2366 (Diethyl carbonate), Hazard Class 3 (Flammable Liquid), Packing Group III. Flash point is 25°C (77°F). Shipments require compliant flammable-liquid packaging, appropriate placarding, and proper shipping documentation. CARMELSOLV™ ships throughout the continental United States.
CARMELSOLV™ supplies DEC in sample/R&D quantities, 5-gallon pails, 55-gallon (208L) steel drums, 275–330 gallon IBC totes, and bulk tanker quantities. Contact us for current pricing and lead times for your required volume and grade.
Yes. CAS 105-58-8 is listed on the U.S. EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory and is fully compliant for commercial import and distribution in the United States.
Tell us your required grade, volume, and any questions. We'll respond with pricing, SDS, COA, and availability.