Dimethyl Ether

Other names: Methoxymethane

Dimethyl ether (DME), also known as methoxymethane, is an organic compound with the formula CH3OCH3. It is a colourless, almost odourless, flammable gas that occurs as a gaseous substance at normal temperatures and pressures. Due to its physical and chemical properties, DME has a wide range of applications in industry and technology.

In particular, dimethyl ether is used as an aerosol propellant. It is very similar in properties to propane-butane, but has the advantage of being non-friable, so it is often used, for example, in cosmetic sprays such as hairsprays, deodorants and the like. Another use is in the production of other chemicals, in particular dimethyl sulphate. DME can also be used as a cooling medium and is used as a blowing agent in the production of polystyrene and polyurethane. Dimethyl ether is also an additive in propane-butane mixtures for cookers and grills.

The possibility of using dimethyl ether as an environmentally friendly fuel, specifically as an alternative to diesel fuel in diesel engines, has also been intensively investigated in recent years. DME has the advantage of low sulphur content and the ability to burn completely, resulting in significantly lower greenhouse gas production. It has the added advantage that it can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including biomass, and could thus contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Indeed, fossil fuels represent one of the main risks to our environment, while dimethyl ether could represent an environmentally friendly alternative.