Safety of amylene? Reactions?

[bamaud]

Hello - I am interested in procuring dichloromethane for use as a wash. The company I am interested in buying it from only sells it with 50-150 ppm amylene mixed in "as a stabilizer." I am curious as to what function this serves? Can I remove this chemical? I realize it is a small amount, but I am curious as to whether or not it is particularly reactive? I cannot find much info about it on the web, but it appears to be a 5-carbon alkene. Is it toxic?

Thanks
B.M.

 

[Iodjini_dk]

"Amylene" is added as a scavenger of degradation products coming from the solvent itself. Halogenated solvents tend to form radicals or other reactive species when subjected to light, heat or oxidants (such as atmospheric oxygen). You should not worry about this additive IMO. Stabilized DCM is used in most synthesis labs where compounds of high purity are desired. I would only imagine it would be a problem if you want to do some sensitive analytical chemistry (which I sincerely doubt youll be performing in your home )

Amylene is not as toxic as dichloromethane itself and I dont think you should try to remove it. If the DCM contains no stabilizer at all it can form very toxic, explosive and/or corrosive byproducts.

 

[bamaud]

Ah, I see. Well, I found DCM from another supplier without amylene at about 1/4 the price; however, I think I'll go with the more expensive kind just to be safe. Thank you very much.

B.M.

 

[skillet]

The cheap stuff should be fine for washing and extraction. I guess it's stabilised with a little ethanol instead, but that's only a problem if you're doing water sensitive reactions.