What Is the Common Name for CH₃OCH₃?

The common name for CH₃OCH₃ is Dimethyl Ether, often abbreviated as DME.

It is also sometimes referred to as methyl ether, although dimethyl ether is the standard and widely accepted name in both industry and academia.

Molecular formula: CH₃OCH₃

Structural formula: CH₃–O–CH₃

IUPAC name: Methoxymethane

CAS Number: 115-10-6

Properties and Safety Characteristics of Dimethyl Ether

Dimethyl ether is a flammable gas that can form explosive mixtures with air. It may ignite or explode when exposed to heat, sparks, flames, or oxidizing agents. Under light exposure or prolonged contact with air, dimethyl ether can form peroxides, which present additional explosion hazards.

Because dimethyl ether is denser than air, leaked gas can accumulate in low-lying areas and travel considerable distances. Flashback ignition may occur if it encounters an ignition source. When exposed to high temperatures, pressure inside storage containers can rise rapidly, posing a risk of rupture or explosion.

Despite these risks, dimethyl ether is widely recognized as an important clean energy carrier and chemical raw material, valued for its high efficiency and relatively low environmental impact.

Production Processes of Dimethyl Ether

Industrial production of dimethyl ether mainly follows two routes: the one-step process and the two-step process.

1. One-Step Process (Direct Synthesis)

In this method, synthesis gas produced from natural gas reforming or coal gasification enters a reactor where methanol synthesis, methanol dehydration, and shift reactions occur simultaneously. The reaction product is a mixture of methanol and dimethyl ether, which is separated by distillation. Unreacted methanol is recycled back to the reactor.

This process typically uses bifunctional catalysts, consisting of:

Methanol synthesis catalysts (e.g., Cu–Zn–Al(O) based catalysts such as BASF S3-85, ICI-512)

Methanol dehydration catalysts (e.g., alumina, SiO₂–Al₂O₃, Y-type zeolites, ZSM-5, mordenite)

Because it eliminates the intermediate methanol purification step, the one-step process features simpler flow, fewer units, lower investment, and reduced operating costs, making it a key development focus worldwide. Representative technologies include Haldor Topsøe (Denmark), Air Products (USA), and NKK (Japan) processes.

2. Two-Step Process (Indirect Synthesis)

The two-step method involves:

Synthesis gas → methanol

Methanol → dimethyl ether via catalytic dehydration

ZSM-5 zeolite containing γ-Al₂O₃/SiO₂ is commonly used as the dehydration catalyst. Typical reaction conditions are 280–340 °C and 0.5–0.8 MPa. Methanol single-pass conversion reaches 70–85%, while dimethyl ether selectivity exceeds 98%.

This process is technologically mature and widely adopted in industrial production. It can achieve dimethyl ether purity up to 99.9%, with few by-products and high process stability. However, due to multiple steps—methanol synthesis, purification, dehydration, and DME distillation—the equipment investment is relatively higher.

Applications of Dimethyl Ether

In China, dimethyl ether is primarily used as a propellant for aerosols, spray coatings, and aerosol paints, representing a large and growing consumer market. With the rapid development of the aerosol industry, future demand is expected to expand further.

More broadly, dimethyl ether is used in:

Clean energy and alternative fuels

Aerosols and propellants

Food-related aerosol applications (under regulation)

Agriculture

Industrial solvents

Coatings and adhesives

Manufacturer Introduction

Jiurunfa Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the production and supply of dimethyl ether products. With strong production capacity and reliable quality control, the company operates:

300,000 metric tons/year of dimethyl ether (99.0%)

50,000 metric tons/year of high-purity dimethyl ether (99.99%)

If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to cooperating with you.

Clarification of the Chemical Terms You Listed (Important)

 Note: Several formulas below are NOT dimethyl ether and are often confused.

Correct Meanings & IUPAC Names

CH₃OCH₃ common name: Dimethyl ether

CH₃COCH₃ common name: Acetone

CH₃COCH₃ IUPAC name: Propan-2-one

CH₃COOCH₃ meaning: Methyl acetate (an ester)

What is CH₃COOCH₃? An ester used as a solvent

IUPAC name of CH₃COOCH₂CH₃: Ethyl acetate

IUPAC name of CH₃CH₂COCH₃: Butan-2-one (MEK)

CH₃: Methyl group (not a standalone compound)

CH₃CH₂: Ethyl group (not a standalone compound)

CH₃COCH₃ → CH₃COOCH₃: Conversion from ketone (acetone) to ester (methyl acetate) via esterification-related chemistry (industrial route dependent)

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