Definition: Dimethyldicarbonate or DMDC

In the early 1970s, a new antiseptic that was highly effective against yeast and bacteria appeared in oenology: diethyl dicarbonate (DEDC) or Baycovin®. In 1972, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) disapproved of the use of DEDC for wine stabilisation due to the formation of ethyl carbamate, which is known to be carcinogenic to humans.

The German company Bayer then developed a new product: dimethyldicarbonate (DMDC) or Velcorin®, which does not produce ethyl carbamate but instead releases methyl carbamate, a substance considered non-toxic. DMDC is a colourless liquid with a slightly pungent odour that is undetectable to the palate at concentrations below 200 mg/l.

DMDC acts on yeasts by inactivating certain enzymes through a reaction with histidine, thereby causing the death of the microorganism.