Organic carbonates are used as solvents in lithium batteries. Due to their high polarity, they dissolve lithium salts. The problem of high viscosity is circumvented by using mixtures for example of dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and dimethoxyethane.
They are also used as solvents in organic synthesis. Classified as polar solvents, they have a wide liquid temperature range. One example is propylene carbonate with melting point −55 °C and boiling point 240 °C. Other advantages are low ecotoxicity and good biodegradability. Many industrial production pathways for carbonates are not green because they rely on phosgene or propylene oxide.
Dimethyl dicarbonate is commonly used as a beverage preservative, processing aid, or sterilant.