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Ethylene Carbonate is a cyclic carbonate ester (1,3‑dioxolan‑2‑one) and the ethylene glycol carbonate of carbonic acid.
Ethylene Carbonate exists as a colorless to pale-yellow crystalline solid at room temperature, melting at ~34–37 °C to a clear, low-viscosity liquid with no pronounced odor.
Ethylene Carbonate is a high‑permittivity, highly polar solvent used extensively in lithium-ion battery electrolyte formulations, polymer processing, and organic synthesis.
CAS Number: 96‑49‑1
EC / EINECS Number: 202‑510‑0 (also cited as 202‑617‑2 in some sources)
Molecular Formula: C₃H₄O₃
Molecular Weight: ~88.06 g/mol
Synonyms: Ethylene Carbonate, EC, 1,3‑Dioxolan‑2‑one, 2‑Oxo‑1,3‑dioxolane, Ethylene glycol carbonate, Glycol carbonate, Dioxolone‑2, Cyclic Ethylene Carbonate, Carbonic acid cyclic ethylene ester, Texacar EC, Jeffsol EC, Ethylencarbonat, Dioxolan‑2‑one, Carbonic acid, cyclic ethylene ester, 1,3‑dioxacyclopentan‑2‑one, Ethylene carbonic acid, Ethylene carbonate solvent, Lithium battery EC, High‑permittivity carbonate, Polar electrolyte EC, Organic cyclic carbonate, EC electrolyte solvent, Battery grade ethylene carbonate, Electrolyte EC, Polar aprotic cyclic carbonate, Precursor to vinylene carbonate, EC precursor, Solvent for polyurethanes, Glycol carbonate ester, CO₂-derived carbonate, Cyclic carbonate C₃H₄O₃, Ethylene Carbonate; Ethylene Glycol Carbonate; 1,3-Dioxolan-2-one; Carbonic Acid Ethylene Ester
APPLICATIONS
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes.
Ethylene Carbonate is used to improve the stability and conductivity of battery electrolytes.
Ethylene Carbonate is employed in gas purification systems for CO₂ absorption.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the production of lubricants and greases as a polar additive.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a reactive intermediate in the synthesis of polycarbonates.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in cosmetics as a solvent for active ingredients.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in coatings to enhance adhesion and flow properties.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in personal care formulations for emulsification purposes.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a plasticizer in high-performance polymeric materials.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in organic synthesis as a carbonylation reagent.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the textile industry for dyeing and finishing processes.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in water treatment formulations as a component of scale inhibitors.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in agrochemical formulations to dissolve active ingredients.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent in drug synthesis.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of ethylene glycol.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in paints to reduce viscosity and improve spreading.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in adhesives to increase bond strength and flexibility.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in printing inks to control drying time.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in epoxy resins to improve mechanical properties.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a co-solvent in electrochemical applications.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in cleaning products for its solvency power.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in foam production to stabilize the foam structure.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in heat transfer fluids to improve thermal conductivity.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in photopolymer formulations for 3D printing.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the formulation of carbon capture materials.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in sealants for enhanced flexibility and sealing.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in brake fluid formulations to maintain viscosity at high temperatures.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in corrosion inhibitors for metal protection.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in high-performance coatings for chemical resistance.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in antifreeze formulations due to its high boiling point.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in fuel cell technology as a component of membranes.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in radiation-curable coatings.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in optical materials for its transparency and stability.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in plastic formulations to improve toughness.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in construction chemicals for enhancing durability.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in ceramic binders for processing and shaping.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in wood coatings to improve surface finish.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in alkyd resins for solvent modification.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in urethane systems to enhance elasticity.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in catalysis as a polar aprotic solvent.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in polyurethane foams to adjust cell structure.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in hair dyes to stabilize the formulation.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in ion-conducting membranes for electrolysis.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in analytical chemistry as a solvent for polar analytes.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the electronics industry for component cleaning.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in the synthesis of surfactants.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in medical device coatings.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in leather processing to aid penetration of agents.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in capacitor electrolytes for energy storage.
Ethylene Carbonate is used in advanced lubricants for e-mobility applications.
Ethylene Carbonate is an essential component in modern battery technology and green chemistry initiatives.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as a primary electrolyte solvent in lithium-ion batteries, often blended with other carbonates to form high‑performance electrolytes.
It is employed as a high-purity polar solvent in polymer processing (e.g. nitrile, PVC, polycarbonate resins) and as a fiber or film processing aid.
Ethylene Carbonate is used as an intermediate in organic synthesis and crosslinking agent for super-absorber polymers or polycarbonate diol.
It serves in specialty applications such as photochromic material formulation, soil hardening agents, lubricant solvents, and gas‑scrubbing processes.
DESCRIPTION
Ethylene Carbonate is a highly polar, cyclic organic compound with the formula C₃H₄O₃.
Ethylene Carbonate appears as a clear, odorless liquid or white crystalline solid at room temperature.
Ethylene Carbonate has a high dielectric constant, making it suitable for electrochemical applications.
Ethylene Carbonate has excellent solvating power for both organic and inorganic compounds.
Ethylene Carbonate is commonly used as a solvent and intermediate in industrial processes.
Ethylene Carbonate exhibits high thermal stability and low volatility.
Ethylene Carbonate is miscible with many organic solvents and water.
Ethylene Carbonate is biodegradable and considered relatively environmentally friendly.
Ethylene Carbonate is synthesized by the reaction of ethylene oxide with carbon dioxide.
Ethylene Carbonate forms a solid crystalline mass at ambient conditions (m.p. ~36 °C), transforming to a clear, low-viscosity polar liquid as temperature rises.
It exhibits a high dielectric constant (~90 at 25 °C), lending strong solvency for lithium salts and polar polymers.
Ethylene Carbonate is chemically stable under ambient conditions but degrades rapidly above ~120 °C in the presence of strong alkali.
It is characterized by low volatility, low toxicity, non-flammability at room temperature, and good environmental profile, making it suitable for green chemistry uses.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₃H₄O₃
Molecular Weight: ~88.06 g/mol
Appearance: White to yellow crystalline solid at ≤36 °C; clear, colorless liquid above m.p.
Odor: Practically odorless
Density: ~1.321 g/cm³ at 40 °C (solid/liquid)
Melting Point: ~34–37 °C
Boiling Point: ~243–244 °C at 1 atm
Flash Point: ~143–150 °C (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: ~465 °C
Solubility: Water soluble (~214 g/L at 20 °C)
Log P: ~–0.34 (indicating high polarity and hydrophilicity)
Stability: Stable at ambient; decomposes with strong base or heat >120 °C
Storage Conditions: Store in sealed containers in cool, dry, ventilated place below melting point (~<30 °C).
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move exposed person to fresh air and rest; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms persist.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with water; seek medical attention if irritation or inflammation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Flush eyes with copious water for at least 15 minutes; immediate medical attention required.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention if ingestion is suspected or discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Ethylene Carbonate may cause eye and skin irritation (GHS Eye Irrit. 2A); prolonged exposure may cause organ effects (STOT RE 2); treat symptomatically.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat); avoid dust formation or contact with skin and eyes; ensure adequate ventilation.
Storage:
Store sealed in a cool, dry, and well‑ventilated area below melting point (~≤30 °C); protect from moisture and strong oxidizers.
Spill Response:
Contain spill material without creating dust; sweep or shovel into closed containers; avoid discharge into drains; ventilate the area thoroughly.
Disposal:
Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; avoid release into watercourses.
