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Dimethyl ether

Dimethyl ether (DME), chemically denoted as CH₃OCH₃, is the simplest ether, consisting of two methyl groups linked by an oxygen atom, and exists as a colorless, low-boiling gas at standard temperature and pressure.^[1] With a molecular weight of 46.07 g/mol and a boiling point of -24.8 °C, it can be readily liquefied under moderate pressure for storage and transport, exhibiting properties akin to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).^[2] Flammable yet low in toxicity, DME features a faint ethereal odor and high vapor pressure, rendering it suitable for applications requiring rapid evaporation.^[3] The compound's primary industrial use centers on its role as an aerosol propellant in products like hairsprays, foams, and insecticides, prized for its non-ozone-depleting nature and miscibility with water and solvents.^[1] Additionally, it serves as a refrigerant (under designation R-E170), extracting agent, and chemical intermediate for synthesizing compounds such as dimethyl sulfate and acetic acid.^[1] Its production, chiefly via catalytic dehydration of methanol sourced from syngas or biomass, positions DME as a versatile intermediate in chemical manufacturing.^[4] Emerging applications highlight DME's potential as a diesel substitute in compression-ignition engines, where its high cetane number (around 55) and oxygen content enable low-NOx and soot-free combustion, potentially reducing particulate emissions compared to conventional fuels.^[5] Research underscores its viability for blending with diesel or use in dedicated engines, supported by infrastructure similarities to LPG, though challenges include lower energy density requiring larger storage volumes.^[6] Safety considerations emphasize its extreme flammability, with an NFPA health rating of 2 due to asphyxiation risks in confined spaces, necessitating careful handling akin to other compressed gases.^[7]

Properties

Physical Properties

Dimethyl ether has the molecular formula C₂H₆O (or CH₃OCH₃) and a molar mass of 46.068 g/mol.^[8] It exists as a colorless gas under standard temperature and pressure conditions, exhibiting a faint ethereal odor.^[1] The compound's melting point is -141.5 °C, and its normal boiling point is -24.8 °C, allowing it to liquefy readily under moderate pressure at ambient temperatures.^[9] ^[1] Key physical parameters include a liquid density of approximately 0.66 g/cm³ at its boiling point and a vapor pressure of 5.2 bar at 20 °C, contributing to its high volatility.^[10] ^[11] The vapor density relative to air is 1.6, indicating it is heavier than air and may accumulate in low-lying areas.^[9] Solubility in water is limited at 71 g/L (or 7.1 g/100 mL) at 20 °C, though it mixes well with organic solvents.^[1] Thermodynamic properties relevant to phase behavior include a critical temperature of 126.9 °C and a critical pressure of 53.7 bar.^[10] These values define the conditions beyond which dimethyl ether cannot be liquefied by pressure alone, influencing its handling in pressurized systems.^[12]

Property	Value	Conditions
Molar mass	46.068 g/mol	-
Melting point	-141.5 °C	1 atm
Boiling point	-24.8 °C	1 atm
Liquid density	0.66 g/cm³	At boiling point
Vapor pressure	5.2 bar	20 °C
Critical temperature	126.9 °C	-
Critical pressure	53.7 bar	-
Water solubility	71 g/L	20 °C

Chemical Properties

Dimethyl ether (DME), with molecular formula CH₃OCH₃, possesses a symmetrical ether structure featuring a central oxygen atom bonded to two methyl groups, forming a C-O-C backbone with bond angles around 111° due to sp³ hybridization on oxygen.^[1] This configuration results in low molecular polarity and dipole moment of 1.3 D, conferring general chemical stability under neutral or basic conditions, as the ether linkage resists nucleophilic attack absent protonation.^[13] DME demonstrates inertness toward most bases, oxidants, and reductants at ambient temperatures, owing to the absence of easily abstractable hydrogens or labile functional groups beyond the ether oxygen.^[3] However, in acidic environments, the oxygen can be protonated, facilitating cleavage reactions such as hydrolysis to two molecules of methanol, a process thermodynamically favored above 350°C with acid catalysts like γ-Al₂O₃ or zeolites, though equilibrium-limited without removal of products.^[14] Strong acids like HI or HBr cleave the C-O bond via SN2 mechanisms on the methyl groups, yielding methyl halides and methanol, highlighting vulnerability to electrophilic conditions.^[15] Combustion of DME proceeds via radical chain mechanisms, with a lower flammability limit of 3.4 vol% and upper limit of 18.6 vol% in air, enabling wide ignition ranges.^[3] The autoignition temperature is 350°C, and the lower heating value reaches 28.8 MJ/kg, reflecting efficient oxidation to CO₂ and H₂O due to the oxygenated structure reducing soot formation compared to hydrocarbons.^[16] These traits underscore DME's energetic reactivity while maintaining stability absent ignition sources or catalysis.^[13]

Production

Indirect Synthesis via Methanol

The indirect synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) proceeds via a two-step process where methanol, derived from syngas, undergoes dehydration. Methanol is first produced from synthesis gas (CO and H₂) using established industrial methods, followed by its conversion to DME.^[17] This approach has historically dominated DME production since the mid-20th century, initially as a byproduct of high-pressure methanol synthesis and later optimized with low-pressure processes.^[18] The dehydration step follows the reaction 2 CH₃OH → CH₃OCH₃ + H₂O, conducted in the gas phase over solid acid catalysts such as γ-alumina or zeolites.^[19] Typical operating conditions include temperatures of 200–400 °C and pressures of 1–20 bar, with the reaction being exothermic and thermodynamically favored at lower temperatures but kinetically requiring elevated heat for practical rates.^[20] Catalysts like γ-alumina exhibit high activity due to their acidic sites, enabling methanol adsorption and subsequent dehydration, while zeolites such as ZSM-5 provide shape selectivity to minimize side reactions.^[21] Conversion yields can reach up to 99% with per-pass selectivities exceeding 95% under optimized conditions, facilitated by fixed-bed reactors and water removal to shift equilibrium.^[22] This method offers advantages including high selectivity, compatibility with existing methanol production facilities, and reduced need for novel catalyst development compared to direct syngas routes.^[23] However, it demands high-purity methanol feedstock to prevent byproducts like higher ethers or hydrocarbons, and the two-step nature incurs additional energy for methanol purification and dehydration, with overall process energy inputs estimated at 30–35 MJ per kg of DME. Economic feasibility hinges on methanol pricing and syngas availability, as integrated plants can achieve cost efficiencies through heat recovery and shared infrastructure.^[24]^[25]

Direct Synthesis from Syngas

Direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas proceeds via a one-step process in which carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂) react over bifunctional hybrid catalysts combining methanol synthesis and dehydration functionalities within a single reactor.^[26] These catalysts typically integrate Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ for CO hydrogenation to methanol with acidic components such as HZSM-5 zeolite or γ-alumina for subsequent methanol dehydration to DME.^[27] Syngas feedstocks are primarily produced from fossil sources, including natural gas through steam reforming (yielding H₂/CO ratios of approximately 3:1) or coal gasification (yielding lower ratios around 1:1 to 2:1), enabling large-scale production due to abundant reserves and established infrastructure.^[28] The reaction operates at temperatures of 240–280 °C and pressures of 30–70 bar, conditions that balance kinetics for methanol formation and dehydration while managing exothermicity.^[29] CO conversions reach 50–80% per pass in fixed-bed or slurry reactors, surpassing the 15–25% typical in standalone methanol synthesis due to in-situ DME removal shifting equilibrium.^[26] DME selectivity exceeds 95% with optimized hybrid formulations, such as those incorporating heteropolyacids or modified zeolites to enhance dehydration sites and suppress hydrocarbon byproducts.^[27] Yields correspond to approximately 0.5–0.6 kg DME per kg syngas under stoichiometric conditions, reflecting efficient carbon utilization despite side reactions.^[30] This integrated approach reduces process steps and capital costs by 20–30% compared to indirect two-stage methanol-to-DME routes, primarily through simplified reactor design and higher per-pass conversion.^[27] However, challenges persist, including equilibrium limitations from the water-gas shift reaction (CO + H₂O ⇌ CO₂ + H₂), which generates water that deactivates Cu sites via sintering or blocks acid functions, necessitating advanced catalyst formulations or water removal strategies.^[26] Catalyst deactivation remains a key scalability hurdle, with recent bifunctional systems demonstrating improved stability via structured distributions of active phases to mitigate hotspots and maintain selectivity over extended operation.^[31]

Production from Alternative Feedstocks

Dimethyl ether production from biomass involves gasification of lignocellulosic feedstocks, such as forestry residues or black liquor, to generate syngas, which is then converted to DME via established catalytic synthesis routes. This approach has been demonstrated in pilot-scale facilities, including Chemrec's plant in Piteå, Sweden, inaugurated in September 2010 at the Smurfit Kappa paper mill, utilizing black liquor gasification to produce approximately 4 tonnes of bio-DME annually.^[32] ^[33] The process achieves biomass-to-DME yields of 6 to 7 tonnes of dry biomass per tonne of DME, with gasification efficiencies exceeding 82% in optimized systems.^[34] Despite technical feasibility, bio-DME faces economic disadvantages relative to fossil-based production, with costs estimated at up to four times higher than DME from low-cost natural gas due to elevated feedstock handling, preprocessing for moisture and impurities, and lower overall energy efficiency from dilute biomass energy content.^[35] Variable syngas quality from heterogeneous biomass sources necessitates extensive cleaning and conditioning, increasing operational complexity and capital requirements compared to consistent fossil syngas streams from natural gas reforming or coal gasification. Scalability is further constrained by logistical challenges in biomass supply chains and potential land-use competition, yielding lower energy return on investment than fossil alternatives.^[36] CO₂ utilization routes for DME production typically proceed via hydrogenation to methanol (CO₂ + 3H₂ → CH₃OH + H₂O) followed by dehydration, relying on green hydrogen from renewable-powered electrolysis. This pathway demands high-purity CO₂ capture and substantial hydrogen input, with energy penalties from electrolysis efficiencies below 70% rendering the process thermodynamically inefficient without subsidized renewable electricity.^[37] Economic analyses indicate hydrogen costs dominate, comprising over 60% of production expenses, limiting commercial deployment to niche or subsidized applications amid current green hydrogen prices exceeding $3-5 per kg.^[38] Pilot and lab-scale efforts persist, but scalability remains hindered by catalyst deactivation under CO₂-rich conditions and the absence of large-scale renewable hydrogen infrastructure, contrasting with mature fossil feedstock availability.^[18]

Applications

Fuel Applications

Dimethyl ether (DME) serves as a viable diesel fuel substitute in compression ignition (CI) engines due to its high cetane number of 55-60, which exceeds that of conventional diesel (typically 40-45), facilitating efficient autoignition.^[39]^[40] Its oxygen content of approximately 35% by weight promotes cleaner combustion with minimal soot formation, as the embedded oxygen reduces the need for atmospheric air in oxidation reactions, yielding near-zero particulate matter emissions compared to diesel.^[41] However, DME's low lubricity necessitates additives and engine modifications, such as hardened seals and injectors compatible with its lower viscosity and boiling point of -24°C, to prevent wear in standard diesel hardware.^[39] In vehicle applications, DME demonstrates compatibility with up to 90% of diesel engine components in retrofitted systems, as evidenced by demonstration trials in Japan and China since the early 2000s, where it achieved thermal efficiencies comparable to diesel while reducing NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions through optimized injection timing and exhaust gas recirculation.^[39]^[42] Pilot projects in Chinese cities by Sinopec reported PM reductions up to 90% and NOx decreases, attributed to DME's smoke-free combustion profile.^[43] DME is also blended with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at ratios up to 20% for household cooking fuels, particularly in Asia, where it enhances flame stability and extends supply amid LPG import dependencies.^[44] Countries like Indonesia, leveraging abundant coal reserves, are advancing coal-to-DME projects targeted for 2025 to substitute LPG imports, with planned facilities in Sumatra and Kalimantan aimed at downstream processing of low-rank coal.^[45]^[46] These initiatives offer economic advantages in coal-rich regions by converting domestic feedstocks into higher-value fuels, though they require infrastructure for storage as a liquid under moderate pressure of about 0.5 MPa at ambient temperatures, similar to LPG systems.^[47]^[39]

Refrigerant and Propellant Uses

Dimethyl ether, designated as refrigerant R-E170, exhibits a global warming potential (GWP) of 1 and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), positioning it as a low-impact alternative to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in select refrigeration applications.^[48]^[49] Its thermodynamic properties, including a boiling point of -24.8 °C and favorable heat transfer characteristics, enable efficient performance in low-temperature systems such as domestic refrigerators and commercial chillers, with studies showing coefficient of performance (COP) improvements up to 29.8% over propane (R290) in vapor compression cycles.^[50] However, its classification as a highly flammable refrigerant (ASHRAE A3) has prompted regulatory restrictions, including phase-outs in regions like the European Union for certain household appliances since the early 2010s, favoring less flammable options despite R-E170's environmental merits.^[50] As an aerosol propellant, dimethyl ether has been employed since the 1940s in products like hairsprays, deodorants, and technical sprays, valued for its ability to generate fine, uniform mists through a vapor pressure of approximately 5.3 bar at 20 °C.^[51] It offers formulation advantages over traditional hydrocarbons such as propane, including complete miscibility with water and many organic solvents, which facilitates stable emulsions in aqueous-based products without separation issues.^[52] This property, combined with chemical inertness and lower odor, supports its use in personal care and household aerosols, where it comprises an estimated 10-25% of the non-food propellant market volume globally as of 2022.^[53] Adoption accelerated post-1970s as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol, though hydrocarbons remain dominant in volume due to cost.^[54]

Chemical and Industrial Applications

Dimethyl ether (DME) functions as a low-temperature solvent in laboratory and industrial extractions due to its boiling point of -24.8 °C, enabling selective dissolution and facile recovery by evaporation. It extracts lipids directly from wet microalgae biomass, such as Chlorella sorokiniana, bypassing energy-intensive drying steps and preserving sensitive compounds like polyunsaturated fatty acids.^[55] Similarly, liquefied DME recovers terpenoids from pine needle biomass and γ-oryzanol-rich bio-oils from rice bran, outperforming traditional hexane in yield and sustainability by minimizing solvent residues and oxidation.^[56] ^[57] Its solvency, characterized by Hansen solubility parameters (δ_d ≈ 14.2 MPa^{1/2}, δ_p ≈ 2.0 MPa^{1/2}, δ_h ≈ 5.0 MPa^{1/2}), suits non-polar to moderately polar solutes, including polymers in dewatering superabsorbent materials via liquid-phase extraction.^[58] As a chemical reagent, DME serves as a methylating agent in organic synthesis, facilitating reactions under mild conditions with catalysts.^[1] In catalytic processes, it acts as an intermediate for producing higher-value chemicals, including olefins via the dimethyl ether-to-olefins (DTO) pathway over zeolite catalysts like HZSM-5 or mordenite, where dehydration forms surface methoxy species that initiate C-C coupling to yield ethylene and propylene.^[59] ^[60] Yields reach 70-80% for light olefins at 400-500 °C and atmospheric pressure, though selectivity depends on catalyst dealumination and modification to suppress coke formation.^[59] In niche industrial roles, DME extracts aromatics and deasphalts heavy oils in refining processes, enhancing separation efficiency as a green alternative to propane or butane in solvent deasphalting units.^[61] Its use in subcritical extraction for bioactive compounds from microalgae underscores applications in green chemistry, where it avoids halogenated solvents and supports downstream purification.^[62]

Safety and Toxicology

Health Effects and Toxicity

Dimethyl ether exhibits low acute inhalation toxicity, with a 4-hour LC50 of 164,000 ppm in rats and a cardiac sensitization threshold exceeding 200,000 ppm in dogs.^[1]^[63] In humans, exposure to 50,000–75,000 ppm for 12 minutes induces mild intoxication characterized by slight inattention but no severe objective symptoms.^[1] The primary health risk at high concentrations arises from its action as a simple asphyxiant, displacing oxygen and causing central nervous system (CNS) depression, unconsciousness, or death when levels exceed 15–30% by volume in air; concentrations of 5–7.5% may produce mild intoxicating effects after brief exposure.^[64] Chronic inhalation studies in rats, including 2-year exposures up to 25,000 ppm, demonstrate no carcinogenicity and only minimal effects such as reversible liver weight reductions or slight hemolysis at the highest doses, with no-observed-adverse-effect concentrations (NOAECs) at or above 10,000 ppm.^[65]^[66] Dimethyl ether is non-mutagenic in both in vitro and in vivo assays and shows no genotoxic potential.^[66]^[67] Although no formal OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) exists, industry and expert recommendations propose an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 1,000 ppm, below which no chronic adverse effects are observed in animal models or human experience.^[64] Dimethyl ether undergoes minimal systemic absorption and metabolism, primarily exhaling unchanged due to low biological reactivity; any partial breakdown yields trace methanol, but without significant toxic metabolite accumulation.^[68] In cases of misuse as an inhalant, such as intentional high-dose inhalation for euphoric effects, symptoms include CNS depression, dizziness, and coordination impairment, with rare fatalities reported from overdose leading to asphyxiation or arrhythmia; however, its toxicity profile is lower than that of hydrocarbon propellants like butane.^[69]^[64]

Flammability and Storage Hazards

Dimethyl ether is a highly flammable liquefied gas with a flash point of -41°C and an autoignition temperature of 350°C.^[1]^[70] Its flammability limits in air range from a lower explosive limit of 3.4% to an upper explosive limit of 18.6% by volume, enabling ignition across a broad concentration range and posing risks of vapor cloud explosions from leaks.^[70] The National Fire Protection Association assigns it a flammability rating of 4, indicating severe fire hazard when exposed to ignition sources.^[71] Storage requires pressurized vessels, as dimethyl ether liquefies at 5-6 bar at ambient temperatures (around 20-25°C), necessitating robust spheres, cylinders, or tubes designed to withstand pressures up to 10 bar or more to prevent rupture from thermal expansion.^[1]^[72] Leaks from such systems can rapidly form ignitable mixtures due to its vapor density of 1.6 relative to air, leading to heavier-than-air accumulation in low-lying areas.^[3] Autoignition risks are mitigated by avoiding high temperatures, though rapid pressure buildup from heating can cause container explosions even without ignition.^[7] Industrial incidents involving dimethyl ether remain rare, attributed to engineering controls like leak detection and ventilation, though notable events include a 2019 explosion in Beijing from an LPG/DME mixture, causing 4 deaths and 10 injuries due to overpressurization and ignition.^[73] Another case involved a tank car overfill leading to rupture hazards, underscoring the need for precise fill levels to avoid liquid expansion under heat.^[74] Dimethyl ether's odorless nature heightens undetected leak risks without added odorants or sensors, emphasizing reliance on instrumental monitoring over sensory detection.^[3]

Environmental Impact

Combustion Emissions Profile

Dimethyl ether (DME) combustion in compression-ignition engines exhibits a favorable emissions profile compared to conventional diesel fuel, particularly in particulate matter (PM). Engine tests demonstrate PM reductions of up to 90% relative to diesel, attributable to DME's 34.8% oxygen content by mass, which promotes more complete oxidation and eliminates soot precursors through the absence of carbon-carbon bonds and aromatic compounds.^[75]^[76] This oxygenated structure, combined with a high hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio of 3:1, minimizes incomplete combustion products like soot, yielding near-zero PM in many laboratory and prototype evaluations.^[77]^[78] Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from DME are variable but generally comparable to or lower than diesel under optimized conditions, such as with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), which DME tolerates at higher rates due to its clean-burning nature and high cetane number (55-60).^[79]^[6] Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) are typically lower or equivalent, reflecting enhanced combustion efficiency from the fuel's volatility and reactivity.^[79] Sulfur oxides (SOx) are absent, as DME contains no sulfur.^[39] Tailpipe CO₂ emissions per megajoule of energy are approximately 10-15% lower than diesel on a combustion-only basis, stemming from DME's lower carbon content (52% by mass) relative to its lower heating value (28.8 MJ/kg versus diesel's 42.5 MJ/kg and 86% carbon).^[78] This advantage holds independent of feedstock, as it arises directly from molecular composition favoring hydrogen oxidation over carbon. Empirical data from prototype heavy-duty engines confirm compliance with Euro V standards for NOx, PM, CO, and HC, with PM levels below detectable thresholds in some configurations.^[78] Fleet demonstrations, including European Union LIFE projects and Asian bus trials (e.g., in China), validate these lab findings, showing ultra-low PM and smoke alongside controlled NOx in real-world operation, though quantitative GHG reductions vary with engine calibration and load.^[80]^[81]

Lifecycle Assessment and Feedstock Dependencies

Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) of dimethyl ether (DME) reveal that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions vary significantly by feedstock, with fossil-derived routes generally comparable to or exceeding those of conventional diesel on a well-to-wheel basis. For DME produced from natural gas via syngas, lifecycle GHG emissions typically range from 70 to 90 g CO₂-eq/MJ, aligning closely with diesel's approximately 94 g CO₂-eq/MJ benchmark when accounting for upstream extraction, reforming, and synthesis processes. Coal-based DME exhibits even higher footprints, often exceeding 100 g CO₂-eq/MJ due to intensive mining, gasification inefficiencies, and elevated methane leakage risks, offering no inherent CO₂ reduction without carbon capture and storage (CCS), which remains uneconomically scaled in most projects.^[82]^[83] Bio-DME from biomass gasification promises lower emissions of 10-30 g CO₂-eq/MJ when utilizing low-input waste residues, but actual figures frequently rise to 40-60 g CO₂-eq/MJ owing to energy-intensive preprocessing, transportation, and syngas upgrading, which can offset biogenic carbon credits. These pathways introduce feedstock dependencies beyond GHGs, including substantial water consumption—up to 11.3 L H₂O/MJ in coal gasification routes—and land use pressures for dedicated biomass crops, which compete with food production and exacerbate indirect land-use change emissions not always captured in simplified LCAs. Air quality benefits from DME combustion, such as reduced particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), hold across feedstocks due to its clean-burning oxygenate nature, independent of upstream sourcing.^[84]^[85]^[86] Indonesia's planned revival of coal-to-DME projects in 2025, backed by up to $1.2 billion in investments and special economic zones, underscores economic pragmatism over emission reductions, prioritizing domestic energy security amid LPG shortages despite lacking integrated CCS to achieve net-zero claims. These initiatives, directed by President Prabowo Subianto's administration, highlight causal trade-offs: while substituting imported fuels, they perpetuate fossil dependencies without mitigating full-cycle CO₂ outputs, contrasting idealized biomass narratives that overlook scalability and regional resource constraints.^[87]^[88]^[89]

History

Discovery and Initial Synthesis

Dimethyl ether (CH₃OCH₃) was first synthesized in 1835 by the French chemists Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas and Eugène-Melchior Péligot. Attempting to generate methylene (CH₂) from methanol, they heated methyl alcohol with concentrated sulfuric acid, yielding a colorless, flammable gas that they characterized as the simplest alkyl ether through elemental analysis and comparison to known ethers like diethyl ether.^[90] This product, boiling at -24 °C, was distinguished from methanol and other volatiles by its low density and lack of water solubility, establishing it as a distinct compound with the formula C₂H₆O.^[90] Early characterization efforts built on this synthesis, confirming dimethyl ether's ether-like behavior, including its stability under certain conditions and reactivity in forming esters or halides. Chemists of the era, drawing from ether classification principles developed in prior decades, recognized it as the foundational member of the aliphatic ether series due to its symmetric structure and minimal carbon chain. Its gaseous state at room temperature further highlighted differences from higher homologs, aiding in refining organic nomenclature and radical theories prevalent in 19th-century chemistry. Although primarily a laboratory product initially, dimethyl ether's extraterrestrial presence was identified in 1974 through radio telescope observations of the Orion Nebula molecular cloud. Lewis E. Snyder and colleagues detected emission lines from its rotational transitions, marking the first interstellar detection of a complex organic molecule beyond simple hydrocarbons and alcohols, with abundances suggesting formation via gas-phase reactions in dense interstellar regions.^[91] This finding, verified by multiple transitions, underscored dimethyl ether's role in cosmic chemistry without reliance on terrestrial synthesis pathways.

Early Commercialization and Expansion

The aerosol application of dimethyl ether originated with Norwegian inventor Erik Rotheim's 1926 patent for a pressurized spray dispenser, which explicitly utilized DME as the propellant to atomize liquids from a sealed vessel under sufficient pressure for dispersion.^[92] Although the patent laid foundational groundwork for aerosol technology, commercial-scale production of high-purity DME for this purpose did not materialize until the mid-20th century, with Akzo Nobel pioneering its use as a propellant in 1963 and German firm Union Kraftstoff GmbH achieving mass production by 1966.^[93]^[94] Through the 1970s and 1980s, DME served in limited volumes—estimated globally at 100,000 to 150,000 tons annually by the late 20th century—primarily as a flammable but effective alternative to emerging chlorofluorocarbons in consumer spray products, though hydrocarbons like propane and butane dominated the market.^[4]^[95] Renewed focus on dimethyl ether as a fuel emerged in the wake of the 1973 and 1979 oil crises, which spurred global efforts to develop synthetic alternatives to petroleum-derived diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), leveraging DME's high cetane number and low-soot combustion profile.^[93] Early industrial adoption prioritized coal-to-DME pathways in resource-rich regions; China initiated pilot-scale plants in the 1980s deriving DME from coal via methanol dehydration, targeting household cooking fuel to alleviate LPG shortages.^[96] By the 1990s, Asia saw further expansion for LPG blending, where DME's compatibility enabled up to 20% volumetric mixes without engine modifications, supported by demonstration facilities that validated scalability.^[95] Key technological milestones included NKK Corporation's (predecessor to JFE Steel) early 1990s demonstrations in Japan, where a consortium developed direct one-step DME synthesis from syngas in slurry reactors, culminating in a 100 tons-per-day pilot plant in Hokkaido that confirmed economic viability for fuel-grade production.^[97]^[98] These efforts transitioned DME from niche propellant to viable energy carrier, with subsequent initiatives like Oberon Fuels' renewable DME program from biogas feedstocks building on this foundation to address decarbonization needs.^[99]

Developments and Research

Technological Innovations

Bifunctional catalysts combining methanol synthesis components, such as Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, with dehydration agents like zeolites or heteropolyacids enable direct conversion of syngas to dimethyl ether (DME) in a single reactor, enhancing overall process efficiency by minimizing intermediate handling and separation steps.^[100]^[101] These hybrid systems achieve DME selectivities exceeding 90% under optimized conditions, with metallic functions for CO hydrogenation and acidic sites for methanol dehydration operating synergistically to suppress side products like higher hydrocarbons.^[27] Recent advancements include Pd/CeO₂/γ-Al₂O₃ formulations demonstrating stable DME yields up to 28.1% from syngas at moderate temperatures around 250–300°C.^[102] For CO₂ utilization, integrated processes incorporate reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reactions to generate CO intermediates, followed by bifunctional catalysis for DME formation, allowing renewable feedstocks like captured CO₂ and green H₂ to produce e-DME with carbon efficiencies improved through in-situ water management.^[37]^[103] Pilot-scale demonstrations in the 2020s, such as the EU-funded POWERED project, have validated these routes for renewable DME production, scaling to modular reactors with sorption-enhanced designs that boost CO₂ conversion rates by shifting equilibria via selective sorbents.^[104] Similarly, the BUTTERFLY initiative targets flexible rDME synthesis from biomass-derived syngas, confirming operational stability in continuous flow tests.^[105] In engine applications, DME's low lubricity—stemming from its near-zero sulfur and aromatic content—necessitates additives at concentrations of 1000–2000 ppm to prevent wear in fuel injection systems, alongside material upgrades like hardened steels or coatings for compatibility.^[40]^[106] Demonstrations, including a 2023 DME-fueled tractor in India, employed lubricity enhancers and revised fuel delivery components, achieving reliable operation without excessive degradation.^[107] Optimized compression-ignition engines adapted for DME exhibit extended durability through superior atomization and high cetane numbers (>55), supporting prolonged runtime in genset configurations with minimal injector wear after additive treatment.^[108]

Market and Economic Trends

The global dimethyl ether (DME) market was valued at approximately USD 7.2 billion in 2024, with projections indicating growth to USD 15.7 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%, driven primarily by demand in Asia-Pacific for use as a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) substitute and chemical feedstock.^[109] This expansion aligns with estimates of market value reaching USD 10-12 billion by 2030, fueled by increasing production capacities in coal-rich regions rather than widespread adoption of biomass-derived variants.^[110] In the United States, DME prices averaged around USD 1,090 per metric ton in late 2023 but rose to approximately USD 1,880 per metric ton by early 2025 amid supply constraints and feedstock volatility.^[111]^[112] Asia dominates DME production and consumption, with China and Indonesia leveraging abundant coal reserves for gasification-based synthesis, which accounts for the majority of output due to cost efficiencies over alternative feedstocks.^[113] China's coal-to-DME facilities, operational since the early 2010s, have scaled to meet domestic fuel blending needs, while Indonesia's initiatives target offsetting LPG imports equivalent to 15% of national demand through a proposed 1.4 million tonne per year plant requiring 6 million tonnes of coal annually.^[87] Fossil-derived routes, particularly coal gasification, offer lower capital expenditures of USD 300-500 per tonne of annual capacity compared to biomass pathways, which incur 76-93% higher production costs without subsidies or carbon pricing mechanisms.^[114]^[115] For instance, a coal-based DME plant's total operating costs can approach USD 470 per tonne, undercutting biomass-to-DME economics absent policy interventions like taxes on emissions.^[116] Policy decisions underscore the pragmatic reliance on coal for DME scalability, as seen in Indonesia's March 2025 directive under President Prabowo Subianto to revive gasification projects for DME and hydrogen, utilizing sovereign wealth funding and special economic zones to bypass import dependencies on intermittent renewable alternatives.^[87]^[117] These efforts highlight DME's role in energy security, where coal's dispatchable supply chain prevails over subsidized but variable biomass or electrolytic routes, though economic viability remains challenged by global price gaps—e.g., Indonesian DME sold at USD 460-508 per tonne in 2022-2023 against production costs exceeding USD 580 per tonne.^[87] Renewable DME (rDME) niches persist in Europe under carbon taxation but represent marginal volumes globally, limited by elevated upfront investments and feedstock logistics.^[115]

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[9]
ICSC 0454 - DIMETHYL ETHER - INCHEM
Boiling point: -23.6°C Melting point: -141.5°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.61. Solubility in water, g/100ml: 2.4. Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.6Missing: pressure | Show results with:pressure
[10]
Dimethylether - Air Liquide Gas Encyclopedia
Melting point, - 141.49 °C. Pressure 1.013 bar. Boiling point, - 24.81 °C. Latent heat of vaporization (at boiling point), 461.55 kJ/kg. Liquid density (at ...
[11]
Dimethyl ether | 115-10-6 - ChemicalBook
Sep 25, 2025 · It has frequently been used with aqueous aerosols. A coarse, wet, spray is formed when dimethyl ether is used as a propellant.
[12]
[PDF] DIMETHYL ETHER - CAMEO Chemicals
9.2 Molecular Weight: 46.1. 9.3 Boiling Point at 1 atm: –12.5°F = –24.7°C = 248.5°K. 9.4 Freezing Point: –222.7°F = –141.5°C = 131.7°K. 9.5 Critical ...
[13]
https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C115106&Mask=FFFFF
[14]
Dimethyl Ether Hydrolysis over WO3/γ-Al2O3 Supported Catalysts
Apr 1, 2022 · Dimethyl ether hydrolysis to methanol is a thermodynamically limited reaction catalyzed by solid-acid catalysts, mainly Al2O3 and zeolites.Missing: reactivity | Show results with:reactivity
[15]
Stability and Reactivity of a Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ether over ...
Nov 8, 2022 · Already at 80 °C, OME3 was largely hydrolyzed to methanol and formaldehyde over all catalysts. At temperatures above 150 °C, V2O5/WO3/TiO2 ...
[16]
Dimethyl ether, DME - f3 centre
The energy content of DME (LHV, Lower heating value) is 19.3 MJ/litre (28.8 MJ/kg), roughly 70% of the energy content of fossil-derived diesel. Thus, the fuel ...
[17]
[PDF] Dimethyl ether, A review of production processes and a modeling of ...
Historically, DME has been produced from syngas in a two- step process: methanol is first produced and purified and then converted to DME in a second reactor.
[18]
Review and perspective: Next generation DME synthesis ...
Jan 1, 2024 · Initially, DME was obtained as the by-product of the high-pressure (300 bar) methanol synthesis process. With the emergence of low-pressure ...Review · 2. Dme Production: Indirect... · 2.2. Kinetics For The...
[19]
Effects of support and reaction pressure for the synthesis of dimethyl ...
May 22, 2020 · DME is typically obtained via methanol dehydration (2CH3OH → CH3OCH3 + H2O) in gas phase over acid catalysts such as γ-Al2O3, zeolites or silica ...
[20]
Dimethyl ether synthesis via methanol dehydration over Ta ...
Jul 25, 2019 · Ta/Al 2 O 3 catalyst is active in the methanol dehydration reaction to DME at 200 °C. Ta/TiO 2 is able to adsorb a higher amount of methanol promoting DME ...
[21]
Methanol Conversion to Dimethyl Ether in Catalytic Zeolite ...
In this work, two ZSM-5 type zeolite supported membranes were used as catalytic membrane reactors for dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis via MeOH dehydration.
[22]
Dehydration of Methanol to Dimethyl Ether—Current State ... - MDPI
The dehydration process of methanol to dimethyl ether was catalysed by acid centres of both weak and medium strength with the contributions 45.6 and 45.7% of ...
[23]
[PDF] Dimethyl ether (DME): a clean fuel/energy for the 21st century and ...
This method uses an existing methanol-synthesis and dehydration process, and so there is less need for the development of technologies and catalysts. For ...
[24]
DME (Dimethyl Ether) - Toyo Engineering Corporation
In the indirect method, methanol and DME may be produced together and production can be adjusted to suit market demand, enabling highly flexible production ...<|separator|>
[25]
[PDF] Catalytic and kinetic study of methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether
The disadvantage of this process is that high operating conditions cause more by-product synthesis, which in return needs more complex distillation to separate ...
[26]
Catalysis Chemistry of Dimethyl Ether Synthesis - ACS Publications
In this paper, we pay close attention to recent advances on the evolution of catalysts for direct dehydration from methanol and for the tandem catalysis from ...
[27]
Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether from Syngas on Bifunctional ...
The direct synthesis of DME allows increasing the level of conversion per step, up to 90%, which means significant savings in capital investment and production ...
[28]
Direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas over Cu-based catalysts
Direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas was investigated over a series of hybrid catalytic systems containing a Cu-based methanol synthesis ...
[29]
Recent Progress in Direct DME Synthesis and Potential of ...
Feb 4, 2022 · This review article puts some spotlights on recent developments in methanol and the direct DME synthesis with a special focus on the modeling ...
[30]
(PDF) Determination of the Optimum Operating Conditions for Direct ...
Aug 6, 2025 · Considering the results of experiments, optimum conditions for direct synthesis of DME were predicted as follows: T=240 ºC, P=33.3 Bar, H2/CO= ...
[31]
Model Analysis of the Effects of Active Phase Distribution at the ...
The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from syngas is an exothermic process, which requires two different catalyst functions in the same reactor ...
[32]
World's first BioDME inaugurated in Sweden - PULPAPERnews.com
Sep 16, 2010 · The plant is built and operated by Chemrec, a Swedish-based technology company, at the company's development plant located at the Smurfit Kappa ...<|separator|>
[33]
BioDME - ETIP Bioenergy
Dimethyl ether (DME) can be produced by catalytic dehydration of methanol, or from syngas. Above -25°C or below 5 bar, DME is a gas.
[34]
Biomass to dimethyl ether by gasification/synthesis technology—an ...
The 1000 t/a-scale demonstration plant has a bio-DME production rate of 6 to 7tbiomass/tDME, biomass gasification efficiency of ⩾82%, once-through CO conversion ...
[35]
[PDF] DME from Biomass - IEA AMF TCP
Di-Methyl-Ether, DME, can be produced from biomass, such as wood, via gasification of the cellulosic raw material to synthesis gas followed by purification and.<|separator|>
[36]
Techno-Economic Analysis of Dimethyl Ether Production from ...
May 7, 2024 · In this work, the production of DME via two different synthesis routes (one- and two-stage DME synthesis) from agricultural residues (wheat straw) or forestry ...
[37]
CO2 Recycling to Dimethyl Ether: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives
This review reports recent achievements in dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis via CO 2 hydrogenation. This gas-phase process could be considered as a promising ...
[38]
Perspective on CO2 Hydrogenation for Dimethyl Ether Economy
The CO 2 hydrogenation to dimethyl ether (DME) is a potentially promising process for efficiently utilizing CO 2 as a renewable and cheap carbon resource.
[39]
Dimethyl Ether - DieselNet
DME is characterized by a relatively high cetane number of 55-60, but an inferior heating value compared to diesel fuel. Physical and chemical properties of DME ...
[40]
Dimethyl Ether Fuel Literature Review - Transports Canada
May 10, 2018 · Most #1 and #2 pump diesel fuels have cetane numbers between 40 and 45 and many bio-diesels have CN greater than 50. DME has a cetane number ...
[41]
[PDF] Implementation of DME in a Small Direct Injection Diesel Engine
Main advantages of the DME are its high oxygen content (35 %) and its high cetane number (> 55) which is higher than that of diesel fuel [8, 9]. It has been ...
[42]
DME Vehicle Development and Popularization Strategy - J-Stage
Taking advantage of the lack of sulfur components and black smoke in the exhaust emissions from a DME engine, NOx emissions were substantially reduced by ...
[43]
Dimethyl Ether in Automotive: Enhancing Fuel Efficiency
Jul 1, 2025 · Sinopec has implemented pilot projects in several Chinese cities, demonstrating a reduction in particulate matter emissions by up to 90% and NOx ...
[44]
Dimethyl Ether (DME) and Renewable DME (rDME) Market Size ...
Jul 10, 2025 · Blending DME helps increase fuel efficiency, extend supply, and lessen reliance on imports, particularly in areas like Asia where LPG ...
[45]
Government plans coal-to-DME project, but funding risks raise ...
May 3, 2025 · The government plans to carry out a coal gasification project into dimethyl ether (DME) in three different locations in Sumatra and Kalimantan ...
[46]
Indonesia plans to use sovereign wealth fund to boost coal ... - Reuters
Mar 4, 2025 · Indonesia, the world's top thermal coal producer, has been pushing to process low-rank coal to produce dimethyl ether to slash LPG imports, but ...
[47]
[PDF] Dimethyl ether (DME)
Like LPG for gasoline engines, DME is stored in the liquid state under relatively low pressure of 0.5 MPa. This helps to limit the number of modifications ...
[48]
[PDF] Theoretical Development of Thermodynamic Properties of ...
Refrigerant RE170 has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low global warming potential (GWP) which is less than two. Hence RE170 is considered as a ...
[49]
Computation of Ecological Properties, Flammability ... - ResearchGate
Aug 7, 2025 · presented in Table 2 [17]. From Table 1, it is also observed that refrigerant RE170 has. zero ODP and negligible GWP.
[50]
RE170 (Dimethyl Ether) and ternary mixtures (R744 / RE170 / R600 ...
Results indicate that RE170 and its mixtures provide superior energy efficiency compared to R290, with maximum COP improvements of 29.8 % (refrigeration) and ...
[51]
[PDF] Dimethyl ether | Nouryon
Dimethyl ether (DME) is an eco-friendly propellant and blowing agent. It is used extensively as a propellant for aerosol production in personal care.<|separator|>
[52]
The Advantages Of Dimethyl Ether (DME) | Gasesgrit
Aug 17, 2021 · Good pressure · Chemically inert · Miscible with water · Not toxic · Not flammable · Not explosive · No smell or taste · Economic.
[53]
DME Aerosol Propellant Market Size, SWOT, Competitive Analysis ...
Rating 4.3 (65) In terms of market size, the DME aerosol propellant market was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[54]
[PDF] HP DME - Diversified CPC International
An aerosol propellant obtained by blending HP DME offers product formulation advantages. HP DME is an excellent solvent but pressure increases slowly as its ...
[55]
Lipid Extraction from Wet Polymer-Flocculated Chlorella sorokiniana ...
Aug 22, 2025 · Additionally, lipids can be directly extracted from wet microalgae harvested by centrifugation using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) to reduce ...
[56]
Extraction of Terpenoids from Pine Needle Biomass Using Dimethyl ...
The results suggest that dimethyl ether extraction has significant potential for separating valuable organics from complex matrices without the application of ...2. Materials And Methods · 2.3. 2d-Gc Separation · 3. Results
[57]
Liquefied dimethyl ether as alternative extraction solvent for high γ ...
This study aimed to systematically find an alternative solvent to replace hexane for the extraction of bio-oil with high γ-oryzanol content from rice bran (RB).
[58]
Dewatering of super absorbent polymers: Alternatives to thermal ...
Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a viable solvent for liquid phase extraction. DME is a useful green solvent that can be easily stored and transported in a condensed ...
[59]
Dimethyl Ether to Olefins over Modified ZSM-5 Based Catalysts ...
May 27, 2019 · The reaction of dimethyl ether to olefin over HZSM-5/Al 2 O 3 catalysts modified by Zr and Mg and stabilized by hydrothermal treatment has been studied.
[60]
Dimethyl ether to olefins over dealuminated mordenite (MOR ...
An important alternative given emphasis in the research community today is the production of olefins from catalytic conversion of dimethyl ether (DME). The ...Missing: ethers | Show results with:ethers
[61]
Liquefied dimethyl ether based multi-stage extraction for high ...
In this research, we have developed a new effective recovery technique to recover oil from SBC by use of liquefied dimethyl ether (DME).
[62]
Comparison of extraction methods for active biomolecules using sub ...
Sep 14, 2022 · In this paper we compare extraction methods based on subcritical eluents, dimethyl ether (sC-DME) and n-butane (sC-nB), under mild conditions.Abstract · Materials And Methods · Results
[63]
Dimethyl ether (DME) - Sage Journals
DME has an extremely low order of acute inhalation toxicity. Its 4-h LC50 in rats is 164,000 ppm, and its cardiac sensitization threshold potential in dogs is > ...
[64]
https://www.chemours.com/ja/-/media/files/propellants/hp-dme-toxicity-summary.pdf
[65]
Dimethyl ether (DME) - PubMed
Oct 3, 2022 · In repeated inhalation studies of up to 2 years in the rat, DME was not carcinogenic and produced minimal toxicity at 25,000 and 10,000 ppm: the ...Missing: chronic | Show results with:chronic
[66]
Dimethyl ether (DME) - Sage Journals
Oct 3, 2022 · In repeated inhalation studies of up to 2 years in the rat, DME was not carcinogenic and produced minimal toxicity at 25,000 and 10,000 ppm: the ...
[67]
Scientific Opinion on the safety of use of dimethyl ether as an ...
Jun 24, 2015 · Observations from inhalation studies suggest that dimethyl ether is of low toxicity potential. Dimethyl ether has not shown genotoxicity ...<|separator|>
[68]
[PDF] GRAS Notice 741 for Dimethyl ether - FDA
Oct 6, 2017 · As a result, dimethyl ether is not metabolized and is excreted as an unchanged molecule (EFSA, 2009, 2015).
[69]
Volatile Substance Abuse: Fatal Overdose with Dimethylether
Very little is known about the acute or chronic effects of DME in humans. The UK short-term exposure limit is 500 ppm and the long-term exposure limit is ...Missing: toxicity studies
[70]
ICSC 0454 - DIMETHYL ETHER
Reacts with oxidants. Formula: C2H6O / CH3OCH3. Molecular mass: 46.08. Boiling point: -23.6°C Melting point: -141.5°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.61Missing: weight | Show results with:weight
[71]
[PDF] Common Name: DIMETHYL ETHER HAZARD SUMMARY ... - NJ.gov
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will ignite easily and burn rapidly. The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid.Missing: range autoignition
[72]
Vapor pressure curve of Dimethylether - ResearchGate
Just as with LPG, DME is stored in its saturated state. Thus, the pressure in the tank varies according to the ambient tem- perature between 2-7 bar. From ...
[73]
Cause Analysis of the Large-Scale LPG Explosion Accident Based ...
Jul 29, 2021 · On December 3, 2019, an LPG/DME explosion occurred in Beijing, resulting in 4 deaths and 10 injuries. To deeply investigate the cause and ...
[74]
Process Safety Beacon: Liquefied Gases Can Be Hazardous | AIChE
A tank car filled with dimethyl ether (DME) arrived at a factory in ... These accidents both involved tanks that had been overfilled with liquefied gas.Missing: storage | Show results with:storage<|separator|>
[75]
Preliminary Numerical Study on Exhaust Emission Characteristics of ...
Apr 30, 2020 · When DME fuel was used, nitrogen oxide and PM emissions were reduced by 40% and 90%, respectively, compared with marine diesel oil fuel. To ...
[76]
[PDF] A review study on the use of dimethyl ether in diesel engines
Because of these properties,. DME combustion produces almost zero PM emission and the low noise level. It can tolerate a higher EGR rate to reduce. NOx ...Missing: SOx | Show results with:SOx
[77]
Dimethyl Ether as the Next Generation Fuel to Control Nitrogen ...
Dec 17, 2021 · The lower heating value of dimethyl ether is about 28.9 MJ/kg and the value of the stoichiometric A/F ratio is 9.0.
[78]
[PDF] Emissions and Performance Benchmarking of a Prototype Dimethyl ...
The prototype DME truck was calibrated to meet the Euro V emission standards, and the emission measurements confirmed that NOx,. PM, CO, and HC were below the ...
[79]
Combustion performance and emission reduction characteristics of ...
Combustion of DME fuel is associated with low NOx, HC, and CO emissions. In addition, PM emission of DME combustion is very low due to its molecular structure. ...
[80]
Demonstration of DeMethyl Ether Vehicle for Sustainable Transport
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the EU has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 8% below its 1990 level by 2008-2012.
[81]
Dimethyl Ether to Power Next-Generation Road Transportation
Investigation on the fuel spray and emission reduction characteristics for dimethyl ether (DME) fueled multi-cylinder diesel engine with common-rail injection ...Missing: trials | Show results with:trials
[82]
Carbon footprint of Power-to-X derived dimethyl ether using the ...
Nov 28, 2022 · Using renewable energy for both the electricity and heat required in the capture process reportedly reduces the footprint to −990 g CO2 per kg ...<|separator|>
[83]
Absolute environmental sustainability assessment of renewable ...
CoalDME, BtDME and BtDME CCS scenarios could be cost-competitive compared to fossil diesel, while the other routes are currently too expensive, when looking at ...
[84]
A Life Cycle Analysis on a Bio-DME production system considering ...
Aug 9, 2025 · This paper describes the performance and/or CO2 intensities of a Bio-DME (Biomass Di-methyl Ether) production system, considering the ...
[85]
Life cycle water footprint and carbon footprint analysis of coal ...
Feb 1, 2024 · The research results reveal that the water footprint of coal-to-dimethyl ether under the basic scenario is 11.2667 LH 2 O/MJ, and the carbon footprint is 0. ...
[86]
Net Energy Ratio and Life cycle greenhouse gases (GHG ...
Oct 15, 2016 · The availability of biomass must be considered in order to account for sufficiency and identifying the promising feedstock for bio-DME ...
[87]
The economics behind Indonesia's dimethyl ether (DME) push are ...
Mar 27, 2025 · In March 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto directed the National Energy Resilience and Downstream Task Force to restart coal ...
[88]
Indonesia to revive coal-to-DME projects with $1.2b investment plan ...
Aug 1, 2025 · Indonesia to revive coal-to-DME projects with $1.2b investment plan, SEZ ... (Advertorial) Shandong Heavy Industry Group shines at Mining ...
[89]
Indonesia sets up SEZs to boost coal gasification - Xinhua
Jul 31, 2025 · We have already granted SEZ status to several coal gasification projects producing dimethyl ether," he said at the Indonesian Mining Forum 2025.
[90]
Methyl Ether
Methyl Ether. CAS Registry Number: 115-10-6. CAS Name: Oxybismethane ... Dumas, E. Peligot, Ann. 15, 1 (1835); and thermal properties: R. M. Kennedy et ...
[91]
Radio Detection of Interstellar Dimethyl Ether
Hulburt Center for Space Research, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. 20375 F. ... 2, 1974 RADIO DETECTION OF INTERSTELLAR DIMETHYL ETHER L81 LU Ia ...Missing: natural | Show results with:natural
[92]
US1800156A - Method and means for the atomizing or distribution ...
According to the invention the material to be dispensed is enclosed in a pressure resisting vessel together with dimethyl ether under a pressure sufiioient to ...
[93]
Recent progress for direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas ...
In 1963, Akzo Nobel Corporation firstly used DME as an aerosol propellant. In 1970s, oil prices were increased, and significant efforts have been made to ...Missing: commercialization | Show results with:commercialization<|separator|>
[94]
4 Tips You Should Know Using DME As The Aerosol Propellant
Aug 23, 2019 · DME(Dimethyl Ether) was massively produced since 1966. Western Germany company Union Kraftstoft Gmbh produced high purity DME to apply in ...
[95]
The status of DME developments in China and beyond - ScienceDirect
This review will describe the history, status and future of DME as a global fuel alternative and how it has and will be changing the global methanol industry.Missing: household | Show results with:household
[96]
Pilot-scale commercial DME production and utilization as a ...
An advance application of using DME as fuel for household stove had been conducted in China, the first country to build a pilot scale plant of DME for household ...
[97]
[PDF] New Direct Synthesis Technology for DME (Dimethyl Ether) and Its ...
At the beginning of the 1990s, the former NKK before the merger creating the JFE Group, with the cooperation of the Prof. Fujimoto's Laboratory in the.
[98]
The Direct Dimethyl Ether (DME) Synthesis Process from Carbon ...
Aug 16, 2018 · successfully translated this pilot scale demonstration into a commercial-scale 100 ton DME/day (100 TPD) DME plant at its site in Hokkaido; ...
[99]
Oberon fuels starts commercial production of renewable DME
Oberon Fuels started commercial production of renewable DME (rDME), the first in the US and only commercial production globally, using waste methanol.
[100]
Direct Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether on Bifunctional Catalysts Based ...
Direct synthesis of di-Me ether (DME) from syngas was investigated on a series of hybrid Cu-ZnO-Al2O3/ZSM-5 catalysts prepd. by kneading. It was found that ...
[101]
Recent progress for direct synthesis of dimethyl ether from syngas ...
Nov 15, 2017 · The direct DME synthesis requires the combination of two catalytic functions (i.e. hybrid/bifunctional catalyst): a metallic function that ...
[102]
Single‐Step Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether from Syngas over ...
Feb 25, 2025 · The bifunctional Pd/CeO2/γ-Al2O3 catalyst showed a superior catalytic activity and stability in the STD reaction, reaching a DME yield of 28.1 % ...
[103]
[PDF] One Step Dimethyl Ether (DME) Synthesis from CO2 ... - HAL
Apr 20, 2022 · Abstract. The study has focused on the development of bifunctional catalytic materials for the direct DME synthesis from CO2/H2.
[104]
Producing renewable DME using renewable energy and CO2 - TNO
Sep 7, 2023 · Project POWERED focuses on a technology that produces renewable and recycled carbon DME as an alternative to fossil DME and LPG.Missing: 2020s | Show results with:2020s
[105]
Biomass Utilized To The Extended portfolio of Renewable Fuels with ...
The EU-funded BUTTERFLY project plans to enable the flexible and sustainable production of renewable DME (rDME) and synthetic natural gas (SNG)Missing: 2020s scale
[106]
[PDF] he potential of di-methyl ether (DME) as an alternative fuel for ...
(v) Low lubricity: The lower lubricity of DME than that of diesel fuel leads to wear problems. The lubricity can be enhanced with up to 2000 ppm of a lubricity.
[107]
Country's first Dimethyl Ether fuelled tractor ushers a new era of ...
Jun 8, 2023 · Lubricity additives enhanced DME's lubricity. DME-compatible materials were used in the fuel injection equipment (FIE) developed in this study.
[108]
Dimethyl ether fuelled genset engine development and optimisation ...
Jul 1, 2024 · Dimethyl ether has a higher cetane number and superior spray atomisation characteristics than baseline diesel, leading to superior fuel–air ...
[109]
Dimethyl Ether Market Size, Price Trends, Report 2033 - IMARC Group
The global dimethyl ether (DME) market size reached USD 7.22 Billion in 2024. Expected to Hit USD 15.73 Billion, CAGR of 8.09% during forecast 2025-2033.
[110]
Dimethyl Ether Market Strategies by 2030 - The Insight Partners
[Research Report] The dimethyl ether market size was valued at US$ 6,216.45 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 12,808.32 million by 2030; ...
[111]
Dimethyl Ether (DME) Price Trend, Forecast | News 2025
The dimethyl ether (DME) prices in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 1090 USD/MT in December. The prices fell toward the end of the year after experiencing ...
[112]
Dimethyl Ether (DME) Price Fluctuation 2025: Price Index, Chart
Jun 2, 2025 · During early 2025, Dimethyl Ether (DME) Prices in the USA fluctuated significantly, reaching around 1880 USD/MT in March. These changes were ...
[113]
Dimethyl Ether Market Size, Share Analysis & Research Report, 2030
Aug 26, 2025 · The Dimethyl Ether Market is expected to reach 7.95 million tons in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.07% to reach 10.68 million tons by 2030.Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
[114]
DME Plant CAPEX Estimation Year 2017 | Download Table
Context in source publication From the table it is known that the DME plant with capacity of 8,700 MT/day in 2017 has CAPEX 1,448 million USD. ...
[115]
Comprehensive techno-economic assessment of dimethyl ether ...
The aim of this study is to model and assess two different biomass-to-liquid (BtL) concepts for the production of gasoline via dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis.
[116]
[PDF] Proposed DME Project in Indonesia (D)oes Not (M)ake (E)conomic ...
This is evidenced by the lack of projects where DME is replacing LPG or other household cooking fuels in countries with abundant low-cost coal. If it worked ...
[117]
Indonesia's coal gasification reboot faces backlash over economic ...
Mar 13, 2025 · Indonesia is reviving plans to develop coal gasification plants to produce hydrogen and dimethyl ether (DME), aiming to reduce reliance on ...