Is dicarbonate de dimethyle vegan?

Dicarbonate de dimethyle is the French term for dimethyl dicarbonate, an antimicrobial food preservative also known by the additive code E242. It is an organic chemical compound primarily used as a cold sterilization agent in beverages such as wine, cider, carbonated soft drinks, flavored waters, and ready-to-drink teas. The substance works by inactivating fermentative microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria during bottling, after which it completely hydrolyzes into minute quantities of methanol and carbon dioxide.

This additive is produced industrially through chemical synthesis, typically involving the reaction of methyl chloroformate with sodium hydroxide in the presence of a catalyst. No animal tissues, animal-derived substances, or animal byproducts are utilized at any stage of its manufacturing process. Because dimethyl dicarbonate is completely synthetic and contains no animal inputs, it is classified as vegan.