Product Overview

Dimethyl Ether Gas is a clean-burning, synthetic ether with the chemical formula CH₃OCH₃. This colorless, non-toxic, and easily liquefied gas serves as a versatile multi-purpose chemical and a promising alternative fuel. With a high cetane number and combustion characteristics similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), dimethyl ether gas is gaining significant attention as a sustainable energy carrier, aerosol propellant, and chemical intermediate. The production and application of dimethyl ether gas leverage its favorable environmental profile and handling properties, supporting global initiatives for cleaner energy and chemical feedstocks.

Basic Information

CAS No.	115-10-6
UN No.	UN1033 (Dimethyl ether)
Molecular Formula	CH₃OCH₃
Hazard Classification	2.1 (Flammable gas)

Key Attributes & Parameters

Purity	Commercial fuel-grade typically >99%; chemical-grade purity can exceed 99.9%.
Physical State	Colorless gas at standard conditions; easily liquefied under moderate pressure (vapor pressure ~5.3 bar at 20°C).
Boiling Point	-24.8 °C (-12.6 °F)
Cetane Number	~55-60, making it an excellent compression ignition fuel.
Oxygen Content	34.8% by weight, contributing to cleaner combustion with reduced particulate matter (soot) emissions.
Key Properties	Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and readily biodegradable.

Features & Advantages

Clean-Burning Alternative Fuel

With no sulfur content and low NOx and particulate emissions, dimethyl ether gas combustion produces significantly fewer pollutants than conventional diesel, supporting cleaner air quality.

High Cetane & Excellent Combustion

Its high cetane number enables efficient, knock-free combustion in compression ignition engines, requiring only minimal modifications to existing diesel engine technology.

LPG-Like Handling & Infrastructure

It can be liquefied at low pressure and stored in similar tanks and transported via existing LPG infrastructure, facilitating market adoption.

Versatile Chemical Feedstock

It can serve as a precursor for producing lower olefins (like ethylene and propylene) and other high-value chemicals, offering a non-petroleum route.

Eco-Friendly Propellant

As a non-ozone-depleting substance with low global warming potential, it is an environmentally benign replacement for CFCs and HFCs in aerosol products.

Functional Characteristics

Dimethyl ether gas functions primarily as an energy carrier and a chemical building block. As a fuel, it undergoes combustion similar to hydrocarbons but with inherent oxygen content that promotes more complete burning. It is typically stored and handled as a liquefied gas under its own vapor pressure (~5-6 bar at ambient temperature). In chemical synthesis, it can be converted via dehydration or other catalytic processes. Its high vapor pressure and solvent properties make it effective as a propellant, expelling product contents from aerosol cans while being miscible with many formulations.

Primary Application Fields

Transportation Fuel

As a substitute or blend component for diesel in trucks, buses, and possibly marine engines; also explored for fuel cells.

Aerosol Propellant

Widely used in personal care products (hairsprays, deodorants), household cleaners, and technical sprays as a "green" propellant.

Chemical Feedstock

For the production of olefins (via DME-to-olefins process), acetic acid, dimethyl sulfate, and other chemicals.

Residential & Commercial Fuel

A clean-burning cooking and heating fuel, particularly in areas without natural gas pipelines, often blended with LPG.

Power Generation

Fuel for turbines and generators in distributed energy systems.

Customer Collaboration Case

A major metropolitan public transit authority aimed to drastically reduce particulate emissions from its diesel bus fleet but faced challenges with the high cost and infrastructure requirements of other alternative fuels like electric or hydrogen. We partnered with them on a pilot project to retrofit a portion of their fleet to run on dimethyl ether gas. We provided a complete solution, including the supply of high-purity dimethyl ether gas, the design and installation of a dedicated refueling station, and technical support for engine calibration. The buses running on dimethyl ether gas demonstrated a near-total elimination of soot (smoke-free exhaust), a significant reduction in NOx emissions, and quieter operation. The pilot proved the operational feasibility and environmental benefits. Based on this success, the authority is now planning a larger-scale rollout, using dimethyl ether gas as a key pillar of its strategy to achieve cleaner urban air. This case highlights the practical role of dimethyl ether gas as a viable, drop-in solution for decarbonizing heavy-duty transport.

FAQ

Q: What are the requirements for the control of SVHC high-concern substances under the REACH regulation for chemical products exported to the EU?

A: According to the REACH regulation, if the single content of SVHC high-concern substances in the product is ≥ 0.1% and the export volume is ≥ 1 ton per year, a notification must be submitted to the EU ECHA agency; if the substance is included in the authorization list, authorization is required before export. Our company will conduct a full SVHC test on the products and provide the test report. For substances that exceed the limit, we will adjust the formula in advance or complete the authorization declaration. At the same time, we will update the SVHC list regularly (currently updated to 235 items) to ensure that the products continuously meet the compliance requirements.

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