Dimethyl glutarate (DMG) traces its roots to the broader evolution of ester chemistry in the early 20th century, a time when researchers sought out solvents and intermediates that could deliver on cost, safety, and performance. The Allied Chemical Corporation and other pioneers of the era pushed early research forward, seeing value in not only DMG’s solvent properties but also the flexibility its glutarate backbone gave to organic synthesis. By the 1960s, industrial applications in coatings and plastics began leaning into DMG. European and Asian labs ramped up production methods through continuous process improvements, keeping pace with an international market that looked for safer, biodegradable solvent choices as regulation of volatile organics gained teeth in the 1980s.
Anyone working close to formulation science knows that DMG isn’t just another specialty solvent. You’ll see clear, almost oily liquid with a faint fruity odor. Its chemistry as a dialkyl ester from glutaric acid translates into solid compatibility across coatings, inks, adhesives, and cleaning solutions. That versatility keeps demand steady in chemical plants, labs, and among formulators who want strong solvency without aggressive toxicity. Cost-wise, DMG falls into the middle band: not as cheap as more volatile esters, but a reasonable trade-off for its biodegradable profile and mid-range evaporation rate.
A closer examination of physical data shows a boiling point around 196°C and a flash point near 96°C, numbers that put DMG in a safer class than many traditional solvents like acetone or methyl ethyl ketone. With a molecular weight at 174.2 g/mol, density near 1.1 g/cm³, and good solubility in organic media, DMG works as a carrier, diluent, and cleaning agent. Chemically, the methyl ester groups resist hydrolysis better than their ethyl cousins, giving DMG a slightly longer shelf life once formulations leave the factory. Labs appreciate its low vapor pressure and mild, non-corrosive action on equipment.
Every shipment of DMG comes with specs that matter: purity levels above 99%, water content below 0.1%, and guaranteed absence of hazardous residuals like phthalates. Labels need to feature its UN number (UN 3272), EC number (203-743-0), and hazard pictograms for flammable liquids and irritants. Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) dig into flashpoint, spill response, and proper PPE, while the Globally Harmonized System calls for clear signal words and hazard statements. Getting this right reduces incidents, especially for global buyers unfamiliar with local labeling customs.
Factories typically pump out dimethyl glutarate by direct esterification. Dicarboxylic glutaric acid gets fed into a reactor, methyl alcohol added, and a strong acid such as sulfuric or p-toluenesulfonic acid prompts the transformation. Most operations go for excess methanol to drive reaction toward completion, then recycle the unreacted fraction. Industrial setups include distillation columns to refine product, stripping out methanol, water, and minor byproducts. Modern facilities monitor impurities like sulfur or heavy metals, as slight contamination impacts downstream products. The process stands as a testament to how finely tuned chemical production has to be in order to keep costs manageable and meet the rising bar on environmental health.
Dimethyl glutarate does more than just dissolve paint. Chemists put its two ester groups to work in transesterification reactions, swapping methyl out for bulkier or functionalized alcohols as synthesis needs evolve. Nucleophilic attacks on the carbonyls allow for conversions into glutaric anhydride or even amino acid derivatives. In pharmaceutical labs, DMG acts as a masked glutaric acid, its slow hydrolysis providing a controlled-release path. Polymer scientists use DMG as a plasticizer starting material, especially in copolymers where softness and flexibility don’t need the risks vinyl plasticizers carry. That reactivity gives researchers plenty of room to tinker, as the ester bonds respond well to both acidic and basic catalysis.
The business of chemistry loves synonyms. DMG sometimes turns up as glutaric acid dimethyl ester, pentanedioic acid dimethyl ester, or even by trade names like Morflex D-2. Companies list UNII codes and CAS number 1119-40-0 for regulatory registrations. Different suppliers might put their own labels on the drum, but no matter the alias, careful buyers keep an eye out for full analyses ensuring they’re not getting a cheap blended cousin instead. In the regulatory world, consistent naming makes all the difference when tracking imports or reviewing product registrations.
Workplace safety with DMG comes down to good habits and strong oversight. Acute exposure can irritate the skin, eyes, or lungs, so solid ventilation, nitrile gloves, and proper safety goggles should be standard. Though less hazardous than many ketones or ethers, its flashpoint still merits explosion-proof storage and grounding measures in larger plants. Spills respond well to inert absorbents, and waste streams carry the potential for slow-but-steady environmental buildup if not treated through authorized destruction methods. For anyone handling drums or tankers, routine spill drills, PPE checks, and updated risk assessments beat out infrequent safety audits every time. Plant managers notice less lost time and fewer injuries where people take these details seriously.
Sectors from paints and coatings to flavors and pharmaceuticals call on DMG. Paint makers use it as a slow-evaporating carrier, keeping products workable in hot shops. Adhesives blend it for better spread as DMG softens resins and improves brushability. Electronics cleaning solvents tap DMG where strong solvency has to meet a low residue profile. Even food packaging benefits where DMG-based plasticizers allow containers to flex without leaching regulated chemicals. In pharma, some processes use DMG for its interim role forming building blocks before final products see the light of day. The reach across so many industries cements its status as a quiet mainstay, seldom in the spotlight but rarely out of use.
The R&D pipeline around DMG hasn’t slowed. Universities in Asia and Europe develop greener ways to make DMG, like using bio-based glutaric acid from fermentation instead of petrochemical routes. Other labs study new formulations for waterborne coatings, aiming to cut volatile organic emissions without giving up on workability. The drive for better downstream safety asks scientists to modify the ester or pair DMG with additives that break down naturally in the environment. Patent filings hint at new uses in biodegradable lubricants and specialty detergents. Collaborations between academia and industry power some of the real breakthroughs, as both camps learn to share data and scale up successful bench chemistry.
Though DMG classifies as only slightly hazardous by most standards, toxicology isn’t static. Animal studies indicate low acute toxicity via dermal or oral exposure, but repeated long-term studies flag mild irritation and rare cases of organ impacts at very high levels. Environmental scrutiny tends to focus on breakdown products, where persistence could upset aquatic environments if wastewater control slips. Regulatory watchdogs in Europe and North America have raised reporting thresholds over the last decade, keeping pressure on proper venting, spill avoidance, and closed-loop recovery. Workers benefit when medical monitoring and exposure controls step in early, a lesson learned from older solvents whose safety profile faded only with time and better science.
Looking forward, DMG faces both opportunity and challenge. Bio-based synthesis plants promise to drop the carbon footprint, and stricter solvency regulations could steer new customers toward DMG when older solvents get banned or taxed. On the flip side, the shift to water-based systems in paints and cleaners puts some pressure on DMG’s traditional markets. I’ve seen firsthand how regulatory changes create whole new winners in the chemistry world. Research into safer, more environmentally friendly functional modifications could keep DMG relevant as industries sharpen their green credentials. A little investment in better on-site recycling and a move toward higher purity grades might also allow DMG to slip into specialty niches where today it rarely appears.
Dimethyl Glutarate (DMG) doesn’t show up on most people’s radar. I first heard about it during a stint at a paint factory. DMG stood out among the list of chemicals, partly because of its role in cleaning up equipment at the end of the workday. That was just a small glimpse of its usefulness.
At its core, this compound acts as a solvent. It dissolves and breaks apart tough residues that simpler chemicals can't touch. That ability sits at the center of all sorts of industries–from automotive shops to pharmaceutical plants. The reason paints and coatings dry smooth often ties back to solvents like DMG, which control drying times and ensure pigments stay evenly mixed.
Look under the hood of manufacturing plants, and DMG shows up in more places than you’d guess. Factories turning out adhesives and sealants count on it to make their mixtures workable. In plastics, DMG helps shape products during the molding process. Even in factories pumping out commercial cleaners, DMG has a place in formulas designed to strip away tough soils.
Pharmaceutical companies add DMG to some drug production processes. They rely on its compatibility with a wide range of other ingredients, and it helps form the right consistency for creams and tablets. One researcher once described it as “the lubricant in the production line”—not in the mechanical sense, but in how it keeps things moving smoothly from one stage to the next.
Using DMG comes with responsibility. Clean-up crews and production staff know the drill: gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation. Breathing in solvent fumes never did anyone’s lungs any favors, and regulations require companies to monitor air quality and limit exposure. On the bright side, DMG is classified by regulatory agencies as having relatively low toxicity compared to solvents like toluene or acetone, reducing risks for workers and the environment.
Still, the chemical has to be handled with care. Spills can travel through soil into water supplies. That's why plants invest in storage systems and spill response training. Green chemistry movements have started pushing manufacturers to reduce reliance on harsh solvents across the board. Some companies now blend DMG with more biodegradable chemicals to cut the environmental footprint.
Seeing the shift in how chemicals like DMG get used brings up the question of alternatives. Bio-based solvents, made from plant oils or waste products, aim to take the place of older chemical staples. Researchers in labs experiment with new blends that offer the cleaning and dissolving power of DMG without lingering in air or water. A few years ago, a startup I consulted with ran tests using corn-based alternatives, but price and performance gaps kept DMG in the lead. It’ll take more breakthroughs before greener options become the norm.
For now, DMG remains a dependable ingredient in industrial and manufacturing settings, quietly making operations run smoother. Knowing how it's used and handled opens a window into the complex world that sits behind everyday products—one more reason to keep pushing for safer and cleaner chemistry in the years ahead.
Dimethyl Glutarate shows up often in paints, industrial cleaning products, and the manufacturing of plastics. It doesn’t spark as much headline drama as some chemicals, yet anyone who spends time in a lab or workshop knows better than to take shortcuts with unfamiliar substances. I’ve spent years sorting through chemical safety sheets and helping facilities create safe work routines. My hands-on approach has always been: don’t trust the label alone. Dig into safety data and learn from the stories of people who’ve handled chemicals day after day.
This chemical falls into a group called dibasic esters. These usually serve as solvents that replace more notorious, hazardous choices. Some factories use them to break down grease or paint without bringing in the risk of cancer or reproductive harm linked to harsher alternatives like methylene chloride. That switch feels like a win, and for the most part, dimethyl glutarate does earn a “safer” reputation. But don’t mistake “safer” for “risk-free."
Let’s talk direct exposure. If you spill it on your hands, a slight tingling or even redness isn’t out of the question—especially with long or repeated contact. If you work with it all day and don’t wear gloves, you’re asking for dryness, irritation, even mild dermatitis. Inhalation poses another challenge. There’s little odor to signal danger, so you might work near an open drum, only to notice a headache later or feel nauseous after hours in a closed room. Carelessness over many weeks can lead to more stubborn symptoms: respiratory irritation, coughing, or—rarely—a reaction causing dizziness.
Personal stories from maintenance crews and production line supervisors keep hammering one truth: basic gear works. Nitrile gloves block dimethyl glutarate better than many cheap latex types. A standard lab coat or long sleeves stop splash exposure on skin. Ventilation trumps scented candles and air fresheners—open windows or a spot exhaust fan clears lingering fumes.
Common sense sounds simple, but let’s get real. Most mishaps happen after someone rushes cleanup or forgets protection during a small spill. Forgetting goggles just once can mean hours rinsing out a burning sensation from accidental splashes. In my own early days, rinsing a beaker in a cramped workspace left me with dry, itchy hands for a week. Now, I never run short on gloves and always keep a bottle of hand lotion near the sink for after-shift relief.
No strong evidence links dimethyl glutarate to cancer or reproductive problems, and regulatory agencies like the US EPA and OSHA list it with moderate hazard warnings. Acute poisoning is rare; that’s a relief for parents, pet owners, and custodians. But subconscious exposure—touching face or eyes with tainted hands—starts minor problems that snowball if ignored. Occasional headaches or a scratchy throat send a warning to tighten up behavior and improve ventilation. Research has tracked the chemical in blood samples after high exposure, but daily environments pull exposure far below levels that trigger concern.
Good habits stick best if reinforced. A short training on glove selection once a year, posters reminding people to wash up after use, clear labeling of containers, and working with small batches reduce almost all risk. If uncertainties stick around, checking the manufacturer’s safety sheet—often available online—gives up the latest rules and guidance. Those who keep problems small by planning ahead find they stay healthy and productive, year after year, without fearing another new chemical in the toolbox.
Summary: Dimethyl glutarate brings fewer dangers than many alternatives, but casual handling isn’t wise. Gloves, ventilation, and prompt cleanup turn potential risks into nothing more than routine chores. People paying attention to their surroundings and personal habits stay safe—every shift, every project.
Dimethyl glutarate usually comes up in conversations around specialty solvents or fine chemicals. It rolls off the tongue easier than its chemical formula: C7H12O4. You’ll spot it as a clear, colorless liquid. Some people pick up a faint fruity odor, others catch more of a sharp tang. If you’ve ever handled it in a lab (with gloves, of course), it feels oily and slides smoothly, not sticky or heavy. You can mix it with water, but it prefers the company of alcohols, ethers, and many organic solvents.
What actually stands out with dimethyl glutarate is its boiling point. Clocking in near 196°C, it holds up to heat better than many organic solvents. That extra stability translates to safety and predictability while working, especially during industrial syntheses. The melting point sits around -35°C, so you’re dealing with a liquid almost all year, no matter the working conditions.
Density tells you a lot about how a chemical will layer or float in a system. Dimethyl glutarate lands at about 1.1 g/cm³, so it sits just above water on the scale. Vapors won’t jump out and smack you in the face; the vapor pressure at room temp stays pretty low. That means you get a slower evaporation rate. Speaking from experience, this helps in processes like cleaning delicate equipment or purifying samples, where quick evaporation can ruin a good run.
As an ester, dimethyl glutarate reacts like you’d expect from the family. It stays relatively stable at room temperature, but when pushed—like with a strong acid or base—it breaks up into methanol and glutaric acid. Now, why’s that useful? In chemical synthesis, these features open the door to controlled reactions, so you can build up molecules or break them down without surprises.
It resists oxidation and hydrolysis under most conditions, earning a reputation for sticking around when you need consistency. I’ve spent hours supervising reactions where you don’t want your solvent to transform halfway through—dimethyl glutarate doesn’t pull that trick, so your results stay predictable.
Dimethyl glutarate often steps in as a safer alternative to harsher solvents. Traditional choices like methyl ethyl ketone or toluene bring health concerns and strict regulations. Dimethyl glutarate falls under the “greener” solvent list, especially since it’s less volatile and less toxic. OSHA lists its exposure limits, but compared to older solvents, the risk of headaches or respiratory problems drops. In paint removal, resin production, or cleaning electronics, the blend of a high boiling point and low vapor pressure means fewer accidents, a more controlled work environment, and less waste vapor polluting air.
Depending on your field—coatings, pharmaceuticals, specialty plastics—you might use it as a carrier, a reactant, or a cleaning agent. Its chemical backbone allows for modifications or further reactions, making it even more valuable to researchers looking to design custom molecules or polymers.
No chemical gets a free pass. Dimethyl glutarate may bring lower toxicity and improved safety, but gloves and good airflow still matter. Accidental spills get slippery, and overexposure to the vapor can still cause irritation. For disposal, it needs proper chemical waste handling to prevent local water contamination.
Looking ahead, green chemistry keeps searching for even better alternatives. That means improved biodegradability, deriving sources from renewable feedstocks, and tighter safety controls throughout the supply chain. In the meantime, working safely and supporting ongoing research can strike a balance between performance and responsibility—something most folks in the field know isn’t just a bonus, it’s a necessity.
People in chemical labs know the routine challenges with storing esters like dimethyl glutarate. Simple mistakes can trigger safety scares or cause a batch to go south. Even with the world's best protocols, common sense and consistent habits make the difference. To keep this chemical safe, a little attention to detail saves a lot of headaches.
I remember the first time I worked with dimethyl glutarate during a university project. Our lab kept it in a steel drum, pushed to the back of a cool, dry supply room. Asking my supervisor why it belonged there, she raised her eyebrows and pulled a faded safety data sheet from her coat. “Vapors mess with your lungs, skin contact turns your day bad,” she said. So we stuck to gloves, goggles, and respirators. No shortcuts.
No chemical likes humidity—dimethyl glutarate stands out for picking up water and breaking down. Moisture invites impurities, and purity keeps buyers and auditors happy. Piling up barrels in a musty, crowded warehouse? That just asks for mold, leaks, or cross-contamination. Instead, keep this material on high racks, above any risk of water pooling or cardboard collapsing. Bags and bottles need solid seals. Storage rooms deserve working fans and airflow to avoid fume buildup. One bad whiff changes your opinion for life.
Extreme heat pushes this chemical toward breakdown and flammability. I’ve seen shops where summer sun bakes metal tanks to unsafe levels. Ethernet thermostats, wall thermometers, and temperature alarms cost little and pay for themselves with one avoided disaster. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Dimethyl glutarate doesn’t play well near acids or strong bases. Nobody wants to explain a preventable reaction gone wrong to regulators or their boss. You can assign a safety officer, but often just making everyone responsible for checking labels and keeping the aisle clear does more for safety than any memo.
Over years on-site, I’ve never seen magic in fancy packaging. Steel and high-density polyethylene containers still work best. Double-check seals, valves, and gaskets. Fixed lids beat improvisation every day. Damaged drums need pulling from rotation, not patching up with tape. Marking every drum clearly, with date, contents, and hazard info solves tracking trouble and keeps honest people from careless mistakes.
Moving chemicals brings a fresh set of risks. Jostling, bumps, or dropped containers test every lid and joint. You want pallets secured and drums properly spaced—cramped trucks with poor strapping lead to spills and slow leak detection. Drivers should receive chemical safety training, not just a route plan. Documentation isn’t just covering paperwork; it saves time during inspections and accidents.
Insisting on licensed carriers, clean trucks, and quick offloads keeps people and product safe. Short delays in transport occasionally push up costs, but nobody regrets an abundance of caution. It’s more affordable to be slow and correct than fast and sorry.
If I’ve learned anything in my experience, it’s that regular reminders and training make a real difference. Fresh faces in warehouses and loading docks often skip details unless they hear stories of close calls and see clear procedures in big print. Build a culture that asks “Did you check it?” instead of “Will you remember?” It’s never just about compliance; it’s about confidence and keeping everyone healthy enough to return tomorrow.
Factories that make paints and coatings turn to Dimethyl Glutarate (DMG) because it solves sticky problems with stubborn resins and pigments. If you’ve ever painted a wall, you know that some jobs need strong solvents to keep the color smooth and consistent. DMG offers that muscle without drowning workers in fumes like the heavier solvents used a few decades ago. Safety teams appreciate its lower toxicity, and lab testing from occupational safety authorities backs this up. The paint dries evenly, ventilation headaches shrink, and workers spend less time suiting up in heavy protective gear.
Personal experience on a factory floor taught me that workers notice small differences in air quality right away. Dimethyl Glutarate often brings a softer, less aggressive smell compared to old-school solvents such as toluene. Supervisors report fewer complaints about dizziness and headaches on DMG-powered days, which translates to better morale and fewer sick calls.
Chemical processors, especially those in specialty and fine chemicals, keep bulk tanks of DMG on hand for cleaning glassware and metal reactors. Some factory managers say a DMG rinse can restore equipment caked with residue that other solvents leave behind. That’s backed by technical reports from the European Chemicals Agency, highlighting DMG's effectiveness at breaking down polar and non-polar gunk alike. This performance means less downtime scrubbing tanks by hand, saving hours each week and lowering water waste.
Circuit board makers and plastics engineers turn to DMG when precision matters. A thin layer of flux or stray residue can ruin a microchip or cloud transparent plastic. DMG handles both organic and inorganic remains, cutting through grease and ink with fewer re-washes. Products end up cleaner, yields go up, and fewer chips face the scrap bin.
Switching to DMG speaks to growing environmental awareness. Older solvents often raise red flags because they hang around in the air and water, harming wildlife and people. DMG biodegrades under normal conditions, with research from regulatory bodies confirming that soil bacteria break it down without much trouble. Air emissions drop, and neighbors living near plants feel more comfortable—something I’ve heard firsthand during town hall meetings in manufacturing towns.
Better solvent management starts on the factory floor. Engineers are tuning solvent blends to get the job done with less chemical. Factories handle waste recovery more seriously, using closed-loop recycling systems. Companies that track their DMG usage and waste are already showing lower emissions in their public reports, a clear step in the right direction. Training workers to recognize and safely handle even low-toxicity chemicals keeps accidents rare.
Regulatory pressure nudges industries to look for greener solutions. DMG answers part of the call, but responsible use matters most. If companies keep investing in waste reduction, vapor capture, and recycling, the chemical industry can cut risk without losing the cleaning power or manufacturing edge that DMG delivers. That’s something both workers and communities can support.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Dimethyl pentanedioate |
| Other names |
Glutaric acid, dimethyl ester
Dimethyl pentanedioate Pentanedioic acid, dimethyl ester Glutaric acid dimethyl ester |
| Pronunciation | /daɪˈmiːθəl ˈɡluːtəreɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 1119-40-0 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1718733 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:8994 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3186220 |
| ChemSpider | 7277 |
| DrugBank | DB14130 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.036.325 |
| EC Number | 203-572-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8713 |
| KEGG | C19602 |
| MeSH | D006993 |
| PubChem CID | 9885 |
| RTECS number | MA8050000 |
| UNII | H9P71J3NHB |
| UN number | UN2565 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID2020703 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C7H12O4 |
| Molar mass | 174.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Mild ester odor |
| Density | 1.107 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | 0.14 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.014 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 7.83 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 1.97 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -9.47×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.414 |
| Viscosity | 1.89 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.93 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 294.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -826.05 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3661.2 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315: Causes skin irritation. H319: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P301+P312, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 102 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 215 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 8190 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 6.6 g/kg (Rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WJ20MZ52DN |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 400 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Glutaric acid
Dimethyl succinate Diethyl glutarate Dimethyl adipate Methyl glutarate Monomethyl glutarate |
