Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) – High-Purity Solvent for Batteries, Pharma & Fuels
Introduction:
Diethyl Carbonate (DEC) is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a mild, pleasant odor. It is used as a versatile solvent and chemical intermediate in various industries, including battery manufacturing, the production of fuel additives, pharmaceuticals, and organic synthesis. With its low toxicity, high solvency, and biodegradability, DEC is considered an eco-friendly alternative to more hazardous solvents.
Diethyl Carbonate is particularly important in the lithium-ion battery industry, where it is used as a low-viscosity co-solvent in electrolyte formulations. Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on it as a reagent and it is added to certain fuels to help the fuel burn better. Because DEC can be used in many ways, it is valued in numerous international markets.
Chemical information:
Chemical name: Diethyl Carbonate
Abbreviation: DEC
CAS number: 105-58-8
Molecular formula: C5H10O3
Molecular weight: 118.13 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Mild, fruity
Boiling point: ~126°C
Flashpoint: ~25°C (closed cup)
Density: ~0.97 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with organic solvents; slightly soluble in water
How Diethyl Carbonate is made:
DEC is primarily produced via transesterification or carbonylation methods. In the transesterification process, ethanol reacts with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) in the presence of a catalyst to yield Diethyl Carbonate and methanol as a byproduct. This reaction is favored for its simplicity and relatively clean byproducts.
In another method, DEC is synthesized by reacting ethanol with urea under controlled conditions in the presence of a catalyst. This method avoids the use of toxic materials, such as phosgene, and is, therefore, more environmentally friendly.
Raw materials used in production:
Ethanol
Dimethyl Carbonate (or urea in alternative processes)
Catalysts (alkaline or acid-based)
The resulting product is purified via distillation to remove residual solvents and moisture, yielding high-purity Diethyl Carbonate suitable for industrial and electronic-grade applications.
Industrial usage:
Diethyl Carbonate is a versatile chemical with several industrial applications.
In lithium-ion batteries, DEC is used as an essential component of the electrolyte solution. It is typically blended with other carbonates, such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethylene carbonate (EC), to enhance ionic conductivity, reduce viscosity, and improve battery performance. DEC contributes to better charge-discharge cycles and overall thermal stability.
In the fuel industry, Diesel and gasoline fuels contain diethyl carbonate as an oxygenate addition. It improves fuel combustion efficiency and helps reduce emissions. Due to its high oxygen content, it helps reduce particulate matter and unburned hydrocarbons during combustion.
In the pharmaceutical sector, DEC is used as a methylating agent and solvent in the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and specific medications. It is considered a safer alternative to more hazardous methylating agents.
In organic synthesis and chemical manufacturing, DEC serves as a reagent and intermediate in the production of pesticides, plasticizers, polymers, and other fine chemicals. Its chemical reactivity and stability make it a useful building block in complex syntheses.
Coatings, adhesives, and cleaning solutions also include DEC. It works well for industrial cleaning and specialty coatings since it dissolves resins and polymers.
Countries of origin:
There are several nations with robust chemical manufacturing sectors that make diethyl carbonate.
China is the largest producer of DEC, supplying both industrial-grade and battery-grade materials to global markets. Manufacturers in China offer cost-effective solutions for high-volume buyers.
India also produces and exports Diethyl Carbonate for domestic use and international trade. Indian suppliers offer high-quality DEC for the coatings, pharmaceutical, and battery industries.
Germany and other EU countries produce high-purity DEC that is REACH-compliant and widely used in the pharmaceutical and electronic sectors.
South Korea and Japan focus on ultra-pure, electronic-grade Diethyl Carbonate for lithium batteries and high-tech applications.
The United States manufactures DEC mainly for domestic industries and research applications, particularly in the energy and chemical sectors.
Abdul Sattar Sons source Diethyl Carbonate from reliable producers in these countries, ensuring quality, consistency, and on-time global delivery.
Packaging we offer:
To serve the needs of various industries and shipment sizes, Abdul Sattar Sons offers flexible and safe packaging options for Diethyl Carbonate.
- 200-liter steel drums – suitable for bulk industrial use
- 1000-liter IBC totes – ideal for high-volume orders and export logistics
- ISO tank containers – for large-scale international shipments
- Custom packaging – available upon request, including private labeling, shrink wrapping, and palletization
All packaging is UN-approved and complies with international safety and transport regulations. Each shipment includes proper labeling, Two documents are a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Benefits of Diethyl Carbonate:
- High purity and low toxicity
- Excellent solvent for lithium salts and organic compounds
- Low viscosity and good electrochemical stability
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
- Improves combustion in fuels, reducing emissions
- Used in various sectors, including pharma, energy, and coatings
- High thermal and chemical stability
- Cost-effective and available in bulk
Abdul Sattar Sons – your trusted global supplier of Diethyl Carbonate
Abdul Sattar Sons is a leading exporter, trader, and broker of Diethyl Carbonate (DEC), serving clients across Africa,Asia, Europe, Americas and middle east. We provide high-quality DEC in both battery-grade and industrial-grade forms, tailored to meet specific application requirements.
Having a well-established network for sourcing globally, we are able to offer timely supply, competitive pricing and good service. Working with reliable producers in China, India, Korea, Germany and the United States allows us to give our clients assured quality and documentation for strict industry standards.
Our team handles sourcing, packaging, labeling, and global logistics with a commitment to customer satisfaction and product integrity. Whether you need Diethyl Carbonate for energy storage, pharmaceuticals, fuels, or chemical manufacturing, Abdul Sattar Sons delivers the solution.
Choose Abdul Sattar Sons as your trusted partner for Diethyl Carbonate—backed by industry knowledge, international reach, and a dedication to quality.
