Ethylene Carbonate (CAS 96-49-1) – High-Purity Solvent for Batteries & Industry
Introduction:
Ethylene Carbonate is a colorless, odorless, and highly polar organic compound used mainly as a solvent and electrolyte component in lithium-ion batteries. It is also used in chemical synthesis, industrial lubricants, and gas treatment processes. becuase of its high dielectric constant, good thermal stability, and ability to dissolve lithium salts, ethylene carbonate is an essential chemical in the battery and electronics industries. Its low toxicity and biodegradability is more safer and environmentally friendly option compared to many traditional solvents.
Ethylene carbonate is a cyclic carbonate ester with strong solvency properties and excellent electrochemical performance. It is commonly used in combination with other carbonates like dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), or ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) to create effective electrolyte solutions for high-performance batteries.
Chemical information:
Chemical name: Ethylene Carbonate
CAS number: 96-49-1
Molecular formula: C3H4O3
Molecular weight: 88.06 g/mol
Appearance: White to colorless solid (melts at ~36-38°C)
Boiling point: ~248°C
Flash point: ~143°C (closed cup)
Density: ~1.32 g/cm³ at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Odor: Odorless or slightly sweet
How Ethylene Carbonate is made:
When carbon dioxide and ethylene oxide react with a catalyst present, ethylene carbonate is created. This reaction forms a five-membered ring carbonate compound. The process is efficient and does not generate toxic byproducts, making it more sustainable than older synthesis methods that used phosgene.
The process typically uses the following raw materials:
- Ethylene oxide
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Catalysts (e.g., quaternary ammonium salts or metal-based catalysts)
- The reaction occurs under moderate pressure and temperature and is followed by purification and distillation steps to remove unreacted materials and ensure high product purity. The final product is usually a clear solid at room temperature but melts to a viscous liquid slightly above 36°C.
Industrial usage:
- Lithium-ion battery electrolytes are the main use for ethylene carbonate. It helps batteries work better with electrolytes, last longer and store more energy. By using ethylene carbonate, a reliable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is created on the battery anode which contributes to both safety and good performance. It is used in electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics, power storage units, and industrial energy systems.
- In the chemical industry, ethylene carbonate is used as a high-permittivity solvent and a chemical intermediate. It is used in the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and other carbonates, which are also important battery solvents and environmentally friendly alternatives to halogenated solvents.
- Ethylene carbonate is used in gas treatment, especially for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide removal in natural gas and petrochemical plants. It serves as a key component in physical solvent systems due to its high solubility for acidic gases.
- In lubricants and greases, ethylene carbonate is added to formulations to improve flow, reduce friction, and enhance temperature resistance. It is particularly useful in synthetic lubricants for automotive and industrial machinery.
- In coatings and adhesives, it may be added to help with flexibility and lasting power. It may play the role of a reactive diluent or stabilizer as well.
Country of origin:
- Many countries with advanced chemical industries produce ethylene carbonate.
- Ethylene carbonate is mostly produced and exported from China. Manufacturers in China offer both battery-grade and industrial-grade materials for global distribution at competitive prices.
- India has a growing presence in the ethylene carbonate market, producing and exporting to neighboring Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
- Germany and other European countries produce high-purity, REACH-compliant ethylene carbonate used in batteries, electronics, and chemical synthesis. These producers focus on quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance.
- South Korea and Japan specialize in ultra-high purity ethylene carbonate used in premium lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
- The United States produces ethylene carbonate primarily for domestic consumption in the electronics, battery, and petrochemical industries.
Abdul Sattar Sons works with reliable producers across China, India, Korea, Germany, and the USA to source and supply high-quality ethylene carbonate worldwide.
Packaging we offer:
Abdul Sattar Sons provides ethylene carbonate in several secure packaging options suited for industrial use and export:
- 25 kg fiber drums – for solid ethylene carbonate in manageable quantities
- 200 kg steel drums – for molten ethylene carbonate or bulk semi-solid form
- 1000-liter IBC totes – for large volume orders in melted/liquid form
- ISO tank containers – for bulk transport and international shipping
- Custom packaging – available based on client needs, including private labels and palletization
All packaging complies with international transport regulations and includes safety labeling, batch traceability, and appropriate documentation such as SDS and COA.
Benefits of Ethylene Carbonate:
- High dielectric constant and polarity, ideal for lithium salt dissolution
- Essential in forming stable SEI layers in lithium-ion batteries
- Biodegradable and low in toxicity
- Good thermal and chemical stability
- Versatile solvent and intermediate for various industries
- Non-corrosive and easy to handle with proper precautions
- Eco-friendly production route using carbon dioxide
- Improves performance and efficiency in energy storage systems
Abdul Sattar Sons – your reliable global supplier of ethylene carbonate
Abdul Sattar Sons is a trusted exporter, trader, and broker of ethylene carbonate, serving customers across the battery, electronics, chemical, and gas treatment industries. We offer consistent, high-purity products backed by technical documentation and international shipping support.
With strong relationships across top manufacturers in Asia, Europe, and North America, we are able to provide both battery-grade and industrial-grade ethylene carbonate tailored to your requirements.
We operate our supply chain to handle both small batch shipments and full containers.
Among our services are sourcing, packing, creating documents, helping with exports and giving technical support to provide a reliable logistics process.
Choose Abdul Sattar Sons for dependable service, high-quality materials, and global logistics when sourcing ethylene carbonate for your industrial or energy applications.