DEDM - Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether

About This Product

Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, known as DEDM or diglyme, has the formula C6H14O3 and CAS number 111-96-6. It is a clear colourless liquid, fully miscible with water and with organic solvents, with a boiling point around 162 degrees Celsius. Its value in synthesis comes from having three ether oxygens spaced along an open chain and no hydroxyl at all. Those oxygens can wrap around a metal cation and hold it, an effect similar to a crown ether but from a flexible molecule, which greatly increases the reactivity and solubility of organometallic and hydride reagents. Combined with a high boiling point, that makes diglyme a preferred medium for reductions, Grignard chemistry, hydroborations and polymer synthesis where a low-boiling ether would not allow the temperature required. Two cautions attach to it. Like all ethers it forms explosive peroxides on storage in air and must be inhibited and tested. And it is classified in the EU as toxic for reproduction category 1B, H360FD, and is included on the REACH authorisation list, so permitted use must be confirmed. It is used in metal hydride and Grignard chemistry, polymer and pharmaceutical synthesis, battery electrolytes and as a high-boiling reaction solvent. Bio Green Chem supplies DEDM to specification on assay, water, peroxide value, acidity and colour, with authorisation status confirmed before supply.