BestSolv™ Bravo: The Ideal Methylene Chloride Substitute Solvent

What Is Methylene Chloride?

Methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane (DCM), is a colorless, volatile liquid with a mild, sweet odor. The ability of methylene chloride to dissolve many organic compounds makes it especially useful as a solvent.

Other names for methylene chloride include methylene bichloride, methane dichloride, and methylenedichloride. The methylene chloride CAS number is 75-09-2. The methylene chloride chemical formula is CH₂Cl₂.

Methylene chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that does not occur naturally in the environment.

What Is Methylene Chloride Used For?

Uses of methylene chloride include:

• Industrial solvent cleaning and degreasing of metal parts, often in a vapor degreaser
• Extraction solvent for removal of caffeine from unroasted coffee beans and tea leaves
• Antibiotic and other pharmaceutical synthesis
• Production of photographic films and printed circuit boards
• Blowing agent for polyurethane foams
• Plastic and rubber manufacturing, including polycarbonate production
• Propellant in some aerosol and pesticide products
• Feedstock for refrigerant R 32

In addition, methylene chloride was once widely used as a paint stripper, but that use has been curtailed by government regulations due to hazards associated with its use.

Is Methylene Chloride Banned?

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its Final Risk Evaluation for Methylene Chloride rule that prohibits manufacturing, processing and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial uses.

The methylene chloride ban, under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), will phase out all consumer uses within a year, and most industrial and commercial uses within the next 2 years. Banned uses include:

• Industrial and commercial use as solvent for batch vapor degreasing
• Industrial and commercial use as solvent for in-line vapor degreasing
• Industrial and commercial use as solvent for cold cleaning
• Industrial and commercial use as solvent for aerosol spray degreaser/cleaner

Exemptions from the ban include uses in reducing global warming, and in production of batteries for electric vehicles, as well as in national security. Such highly industrialized uses will be subject to a new Workplace Chemical Protection Program that includes periodic monitoring of the workplace to minimize risk to workers.

For workplaces exempt from the ban, the new TSCA rule reduces the allowed exposure from the OSHA limit of 25 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average, or TWA) to 2 ppm (8-hour TWA).

Why Is It Important to Find a Methylene Chloride Substitute Solvent?

In its risk characterization, the EPA found unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment in 52 of 53 conditions of use. Adverse effects due to chronic inhalation or dermal exposures included:

• Cancer
• Neurotoxicity effects (central nervous system depression)
• Liver effects
• Other nervous system effects
• Immune system effects
• Reproductive and developmental effects
• Irritation and burns

Long-term exposure to methylene chloride may affect the brain, causing memory impairment, decreased coordination, and reduced thinking ability. Methylene chloride is metabolized to carbon monoxide, which may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The EPA reports that since 1980, at least 88 people have died from acute exposure to methylene chloride.

Benefits of BestSolv™ Bravo as a Methylene Chloride Substitute

The EPA ban of methylene chloride for solvent cleaning leaves manufacturers looking for a methylene chloride alternative. Enter BestSolv™ Bravo, a hydrofluoroether (HFE) solvent that offers effective heavy-duty cleaning power in a safe and sustainable solvent.

Effective Degreasing Without the Use of Methylene Chloride

BestSolv™ Bravo offers excellent solvency, effectively replacing methylene chloride as a solvent in degreasing applications without compromising on cleaning performance. The low surface tension on BestSolv™ Bravo ensures that the solvent infiltrates narrow areas on complex parts. BestSov™ Bravo cleans contaminants such as oils, greases, silicones, flux and wax.

Improved Safety for Workers

Using BestSolv™ Bravo mitigates health risks associated with methylene chloride, enhancing workplace safety and ensuring a healthier environment for workers.

Lower Environmental Impact and Regulatory Compliance

BestSolv™ Bravo has a lower environmental impact compared to methylene chloride. By choosing BestSolv™ Bravo, businesses can align with stringent environmental regulations, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Environmental benefits include:

• Low Global Warming Potential
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential
• Not a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP)
• Not a PFAS under current EPA definition

No New Capital Equipment Purchase

BestSolv™ Bravo is a drop-in methylene chloride substitute solvent that does not require purchasing new capital equipment. Converting a vapor degreaser from methylene chloride to BestSolv™ Bravo is as easy as draining and cleaning the vapor degreaser, and resetting the thermostat settings.

BestSolv™ Bravo vs. Methylene Chloride Comparison

Solvent Cleaning Experts

When you’re looking for a methylene chloride alternative solvent, look to Best Technology. Learn from our experts about your options for a methylene chloride substitute, as well as replacements for other legacy solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE), n-propyl bromide (nPB) and perchloroethylene.

For expert help with cleaning solvent alternatives, contact our chemical sales department using our web contact form, or call 612-392-2414, ext. 2.