dimethyl ether

Dimethyl ether is a **simple organic compound** with the formula CH₃OCH₃, the simplest ether and an isomer of ethanol. It is a colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas at room temperature which can be easily liquefied under slight pressure. Dimethyl ether is primarily produced by methanol dehydration or indirectly by synthesis gas conversion. Its most common industrial uses are as an **aerosol propellant**, **blowing agent in polymers**, **solvent**, and **refrigerant**[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Dimethyl ether is increasingly studied and used as a **clean-burning alternative fuel** for diesel engines because of its high cetane number and low particulate emissions[1][4][5]. It is also applied as a chemical feedstock (notably in methyl sulfate and acetic acid manufacture)[1], and as a component in freeze sprays for wart removal[1]. Dimethyl ether is not a classical pharmaceutical agent but is approved for limited **topical applications in some over-the-counter cryotherapy sprays**[3]. Its use as a fuel and industrial chemical is expanding because of its clean combustion properties and potential to be produced from various renewable or non-renewable feedstocks[1][2][4][5].

Other names

dimethyl etherDMEmethoxymethanemethyl ether