Properties of Dimethyl Ether (C2H6O)
Dimethyl ether (DME) is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C2H6O. It is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and is commonly used as a propellant in aerosol sprays, as well as a fuel in some transportation applications and heating systems.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of dimethyl ether properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 46.069 g/mol |
| Density (0°C) | 2.115 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | 9.16 µPa·s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -141.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | -24.8 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 0.0178 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 1425 J/kg·K |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 126.9 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 5.37 MPa |
| Critical Density (ρc) | 242 kg/m3 |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 1.0062 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.000891 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Autoignition Temperature | 350 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 3.4% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 27% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 1 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 4 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 1 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.