Dimethyl Succinate, commonly known as DMS, stands out as an organic chemical compound belonging to the family of esters. Generally appearing as a colorless crystalline solid or sometimes as white flakes, it carries the molecular formula C6H10O4 and a molecular weight of about 146.14 g/mol. Chemically, DMS is made from the reaction between succinic acid and methanol. Under everyday lab conditions, DMS usually maintains a density of around 1.07 g/cm³. In some environments, it takes the form of a pearl or granular powder, and in rare cases, it shifts into a slightly viscous liquid if stored above its melting point, which is close to 19°C (about 66°F).
Examining DMS under ordinary conditions, its structure shows two methyl ester groups bonded at each end of the simple succinic acid chain. This symmetric arrangement makes DMS stable and less volatile than many lower molecular weight esters. DMS features a boiling point near 196°C and a melting point just under room temperature, which gives it versatility for handling in solid or liquid states based on storage climate. Its low viscosity and high purity make it manageable for weighing out exact amounts in both solid and liquid forms. DMS dissolves well in many organic solvents but does not mix with water, so it separates if spilled, allowing for simple cleanup in many lab settings. In my experience, these properties simplify usage in both laboratory and industrial scenarios, since there's little risk of DMS evaporating or degrading under normal room conditions.
DMS often gets used as a raw material for synthesizing various succinate-based specialty esters and polymers. Food and flavor industries sometimes turn to DMS as an intermediate in the creation of aroma compounds or plasticizers. The plastic and resin industries frequently rely on DMS for producing biodegradable plastics and binders, where those white flakes or powdery pearls dissolve into polymer mixes without trouble. Since DMS resists oxidation and hydrolysis under mild temperatures, it serves manufacturers well in processes where consistent molecular structure pays off for both yield and end quality. Paints and coatings manufacturers favor DMS due to its light odor, allowing for easier ventilation and employee comfort on industrial floors. In my experience overseeing chemical sourcing, the low hazard profile of DMS keeps compliance efforts simple, especially when compared to alternatives with higher volatility or persistent toxicity.
On industry specification sheets, DMS typically comes listed with a minimum purity of 99%, with trace water contents below 0.2%. It shows up in drums or bags marked for solid, powder, or even finely granular crystal consistency. The CAS number for DMS is 106-65-0, and the Harmonized System (HS) Code often falls under 2917.19, for dicarboxylic acid derivatives. Customers track major metrics like acid value, saponification value, and melting range to judge suitability for downstream production. In packaging, DMS rarely triggers hazardous shipping restrictions since its flashpoint is high (well above 100ºC), and dust does not pose severe respiratory risk under normal handling. I have found that logistical teams appreciate this, because labeling requirements and insurance premiums stay moderate, giving an edge to DMS for global resale and multi-site delivery.
From a health and safety angle, DMS has a fairly clean slate—routine exposure does not create acute toxic effects, and inhalation risk is much lower than many comparable esters. Skin contact can cause mild irritation, so gloves make sense, but I never saw severe cases with standard workplace hygiene. For chemical inventory managers, DMS poses little chronic health risk and does not accumulate in soils or natural waters since it degrades into succinic acid and methanol, both of which get neutralized with proper waste treatment. Still, spills need to be cleaned up quickly to avoid slip hazards, especially if DMS is stored or poured near heat sources, which could raise vapor concentrations in a small area. Some experience shows that in regulated environments, clear safety data sheets and staff training make all the difference in keeping DMS use trouble-free.
Supply chain teams occasionally face challenges linked to purity and trace contaminants in DMS, as even small impurities create side-products when synthesizing fine chemicals. Improved supply contracts that stress tight purity bands and regular third-party testing give buyers a better shot at consistent quality. Another ongoing issue lies in the need for more sustainable or bio-based succinic acid sources for DMS production, since petrochemical-based origins still dominate despite growing green chemistry interest. Leading industry players now pilot bio-succinate supply chains using fermentation, but these cost more for now. If demand for biodegradable plastics and specialty esters keeps rising, larger orders should drive innovation and price drops for greener DMS production routes. In my own procurement circles, companies that share detailed traceability and invest in life-cycle impact studies inspire more trust and land more long-term contracts—showing that transparency wins.
DMS bridges an important gap between basic organic feedstocks and value-added polymer chemistry. Its practical density, steady melting and boiling points, and clean toxicity profile make it a preferred choice for buyers needing consistency in both solid (flakes, powders, pearls) and liquid forms. Its crystalline structure keeps it stable in warehouses and easy to handle with scoops or pumps. Applications in aromas, plastics, coatings, and sustainable chemistry will likely keep demand steady, especially as users look for raw materials that offer low hazard and high performance in the lab and on the factory floor. Anyone weighing DMS for a new process can trust that its simple structure and well-understood physical properties make it a low-fuss choice among specialty chemicals.
