Dichloromethane (DCM or methylene chloride) is an organochloride compound which is widely used as a solvent. In the food industry, it has been used to decaffeinate coffee and tea as well as to prepare extracts of hops and other flavorings.

The chemical compound’s low boiling point allows the chemical to function in a heat engine that can extract mechanical energy from small temperature differences. Moreover, DCM chemically welds certain plastics. Additionally, its volatility has led to its use as an aerosol spray propellant and as a blowing agent for polyurethane foams.