
Diethyl Carbonate
Diethyl carbonate appears as a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor. It is slightly less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Flash point 77 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. When heated to high temperatures it may emit acrid smoke. Used as a solvent. — CAMEO Chemicals
- IUPAC name
- diethyl carbonate
- Molecular formula
- C5H10O3
- Molecular weight
- 118.13 g/mol
- Exact mass
- 118.062994177 Da
- XLogP3
- 1.2
- Topological polar surface area
- 35.5 Ų
- Hydrogen-bond donors
- 0
- Hydrogen-bond acceptors
- 3
- Covalent units
- 1
- Defined stereocentres
- 0
Also known as
16 more reported names
External database identifiers
- ChEBI:CHEBI:173463
- ChEMBL:CHEMBL1533495
- EPA DTXSID:DTXSID3025041
- PubMed:22851222
- PubMed:22847921
- PubMed:22777138
- PubMed:22565482
- PubMed:22497266
- PubMed:22221861
- PubMed:22149802
- PubMed:22022703
- PubMed:21990014
- PubMed:21958524
- PubMed:21877685
- PubMed:21711839
Evidence from additional scientific databases
EMBL-EBI ChEBI
Diethyl carbonate
- Formula
- C5H10O3
- Average mass
- 118.132 g/mol
- Monoisotopic mass
- 118.06299 Da
- Formal charge
- 0
- carbonate ester — is a (CHEBI:46722)
- carbonate ester — is a (CHEBI:46722)
Additional curated names
Cross-references from this source
- CAS: 105-58-8 — ChemIDplus
- MANUAL_X_REF: 7478 — ChemSpider
- MANUAL_X_REF: HMDB0059844 — HMDB
Mapped by: Exact CAS cross-reference in the ChEBI compound record. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
NIH PubChem PUG-View
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.
- Autoignition Temperature: 445 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 259 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Boiling Point: 126 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Boiling Point: 126 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Boiling Point: 126 °C @760 [mm Hg] Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Color/Form: Colorless liquid Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: 0.975 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Density: 0.9752 @ 20 °C/4 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Density: Relative density (water = 1): 0.98 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Density: 0.9752 @ 20°C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Flash Point: 77 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Flash Point: 25 °C (CLOSED CUP) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Flash Point: 25 °C c.c. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- LogP: log Kow= 1.21 Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -45 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Melting Point: -43 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Melting Point: -43 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Odor: Pleasant ethereal odor Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Odor: Mild odor Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Physical Description: Diethyl carbonate appears as a colorless liquid with a mild pleasant odor. It is slightly less dense than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Flash point 77 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. When heated to high temperatures it may emit acrid smoke. Used as a solvent. Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Physical Description: Liquid Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Physical Description: Colorless liquid; [Hawley] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Physical Description: COLOURLESS LIQUID WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Refractive Index: Index of refraction: 1.3845 @ 20 °C/D; Sadtler ref number: 8024 (IR, prism); 290 (NMR) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Insoluble (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Solubility: Soluble in ehtyl ether, ethanol, and chloroform Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Miscible with ketones, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, some aliphatic solvents Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: In water, 1.88X10+4 mg/l @ 20 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Solubility: Solubility in water: none Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 10 mmHg at 74.8 °F (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- Vapor Pressure: 10.8 [mmHg] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Vapor Pressure: 10.8 mm Hg @ 25 °C Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Vapor Pressure: Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 1.1 Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- Vapor Pressure: 10.8 [mm Hg] @25 °C Source: PAC Chemical Database, U.S. Department of Energy
- Exposure Routes: The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
- ERG2024, Guide 128 (Diethyl carbonate): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
- Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.9% (12 of 412) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (97.1%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H315 (13.8%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (14.3%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (13.8%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 412 reports by companies from 13 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 12 of 412 reports by companies.; There are 12 notifications provided by 400 of 412 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- GHS Hazard Statements: H226 (100%): Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H315 (97.4%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (97.4%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (97.4%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 39 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
- Signal: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
- GHS Hazard Statements: H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: NITE-CMC
- Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P319, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
- NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Fire Rating: 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- NFPA Instability Rating: 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 2 was calculated for diethyl carbonate(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.21(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.21(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl carbonate is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of diethyl carbonate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 8.9X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from a vapor pressure of 10.8 mm Hg(4) and water solubility of 18,800 mg/l(5). Diethyl carbonate may volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Although no biodegradation data for diethyl carbonate was located, chemically similar short alkyl chain esters have been shown to biodegrade(6). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 100(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.21(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that diethyl carbonate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 8.9X10-5 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), calculated from a vapor pressure of 10.8 mm Hg(4) and water solubility of 18,800 mg/l(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 8 hours and 8 days, respectively(SRC). Diethyl carbonate may undergo hydrolysis in water since esters are susceptible to hydrolysis(3). Although no biodegradation data for diethyl carbonate was located, chemically similar short alkyl chain esters have been shown to biodegrade(6). According to a classification scheme(7), an estimated BCF of 2(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), diethyl carbonate, which has a vapor pressure of 10.8 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase diethyl carbonate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 5 days(SRC), calculated from its estimated rate constant of 3.3X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) determined using a structure estimation method(3). Diethyl carbonate may also undergo direct photolysis in the environment since this compound contains a functional group that can absorb light greater than 290 nm(4). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Consumer Uses: Conductive agent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Industry Uses: Intermediate; Conductive agent; Solvent Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
- Sources/Uses: Used as a solvent (nitrocellulose, cellulose ethers, and resins) and for organic synthesis; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
- Uses: Solvent for nitrocellulose; mfr radio tubes; fixing rare earths to cathode elements Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: Solvent for cellulose ethers, many synthetic and natural resins Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
- Uses: CHEM INT FOR PHARMACEUTICALS (EG PHENOBARBITAL); CHEM INT FOR ORG COMPD Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record
Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.
Additional source coverage and match status
| Source | Result | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| EMBL-EBI ChEBI | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
| NIH PubChem PUG-View | Exact match | 2026-08-31 |
A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.
Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.