In this article, we are going to have a closer approach towards facts related to the density of Dichloromethane.
The density of dichloromethane is observed to be 1.33 g/cm3. It is a liquid (colorless) which has a pleasant odor. It is a suitable solvent in many experiments. So in the following sections, we will study the facts and properties associated to it in detail.
Some facts about DCM
It is a polar compound and it’s synonym is methylene chloride.
It’s molecular weight is around 84.93 g/mol. In the structure of DCM, there exists one C atom, two H atoms, and two Cl atoms. It shape has tetrahedral geometry. Talking about its applications, in laboratories, it is commonly used in extraction (liquid-liquid). Also a very active component in paint removers.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Density Of Dichloromethane in g/mL
Temperature influences density meaning, with an increase or decrease in temperature density can vary. Let us have a look at some facts and properties related to methylene chloride.
The observed boiling point is 39.75 degrees Celsius which makes it suitable to be separated from other liquids by using the fractional distillation technique. It’s freezing point is -95.14 degrees Celsius and its refractive index is 1.424 at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. So the density of dichloromethane in g/mL is 1.326 g/mL at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and 1.317 g/mL at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Density Of Dichloromethane in kg/m3
The observed density of dichloromethane in kg/m3 is 1322kg/m3 at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
What is the density of dichloromethane?
The observed density of methylene chloride is 1.3266 g/cm3 at 20 degrees Celsius. At 90 degrees Celsius, the density is 0.93 g/cm3. It is clear from above that density of methylene chloride changes when there is a change in temperature.
Relative density of dichloromethane
What we understand by relative is it is the ratio of involving the density (of a substance) to the density of reference (the given reference substance/material).
Relative density is also referred to as specific gravity. Most of the time relative density is measured or calculated by using water as reference material. Relative density does not has any unit. When the relative density of a substance is less than 1 it will be less dense in comparison to the reference. When the relative density is more than one then we can say it is more dense then the reference. If equal to 1 then the density of both the substance under study and reference will have the same density.
Not necessarily every time water will be the reference, some other substance can also be used. If we consider water as a reference then the relative density of dichloromethane:
Relative density = density of dichloromethane / density of reference
= 1.3266 g/cm3/ 1 g/cm3
= 1.3266 (at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius).
density of dichloromethane at different temperatures
At a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius the density of dichloromethane is 1.326 g/mL. At a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius the density is 1.317. At a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius the density is 0.93 g/mL.
Density of dichloromethane vs water
| Temperature | Density of dichloromethane | Density of water |
| 20°C | 1.326 g/cm3 | 0.998 g/cm3 |
| 25°C | 1.322 g/cm3 | 0.997 g/cm3 |
| 90°C | 0.93 g/cm3 | 0.995 g/cm3 |
We can see that density of DCM decreases with increase in temperature.
Why is Ch2Cl2 denser then water?
The molecular weight of water is around 18 g/mol and the molecular weight of dichloromethane is 84 g/mol. We know that the molecules that are heavier will be more dense. Similar is the case with water and dichloromethane, DCM being heavier is more dense then water.
This is Sania Jakati from Goa. I am an aspiring chemist pursuing my post graduation in organic chemistry. I believe education is the key element that moulds you into a great human being both mentally and physically. I’m glad to be a member of scintillating branch of chemistry and will try my best to contribute whatever I can from my side and Lambdageeks is the best platform where I can share as well as gain knowledge at the same time.