[2] Instead, dimethyl carbonate is often considered to be a green reagent,[3][4] and it is exempt from the restrictions placed on most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the United States.

Methyl chloroformate is produced as an intermediate: This synthesis route has been largely replaced by oxidative carbonylation.

[14] Dimethyl carbonate has an ester- or alcohol-like odor, which is more favorable to users than most hydrocarbon solvents it replaces.

[15] Dimethyl carbonate is partially soluble in water up to 13%, however it is hydrolyzed in water-based systems over time to methanol and CO2 unless properly buffered.

Diphenyl carbonate is a widely used raw material for the synthesis of bisphenol-A-polycarbonate in a melt polycondensation process,[16] the resulting product being recyclable by reversing the process and transesterifying the polycarbonate with phenol to yield diphenyl carbonate and bisphenol A.

The National Center for Sustainable Transportation recommends limiting exposure by inhalation to less than 100 ppm over an 8-hour work day, which is similar to that of a number of common industrial solvents (toluene, methyl ethyl ketone).

[20] Workers should wear protective organic vapor respirators when using DMC indoors or in other conditions where concentrations exceed the REL.