Dimethyl dicarbonate (Dimethyl dicarbonate, dicarbonic acid, dimethyl ester, dimethyl pyrocarbonate, velcorin, E242)is a diacarbon acid ester. It has an antimicrobial effect.
Chemical formula C4H6O5.
It is used as a food additive – preservative.
Dimethyl bicarbonate is sometimes used in soft drinks, as a non-permissive food additive, because it is not present in the finished product. In the European Union, dimethyl dicarbonate under the E242 index is allowed for use in some beverages. Limited permission exists in other countries, such as the United States for wines, iced teas, and tea extracts.
In our country, dimethyl dicarbonate is included (as a preservative) in the list of food additives allowed for use in the production of food products.