BUTANEDIOIC ACID, DIMETHYL ESTER

Dimethyl Succinate is a versatile diester used as a solvent and chemical intermediate.
Dimethyl Succinate provides strong solvency, controlled evaporation and broad formulation compatibility.
Coatings, cleaners, polymers, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals widely use Dimethyl Succinate.

CAS Number: 106-65-0
EC Number: 203-419-9
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight: 146.14 g/mol

Synonyms: Dimethyl butanedioate, Succinic acid dimethyl ester, Dimethyl ester of succinic acid, Methyl succinate, 1,4-Butanedioic acid dimethyl ester, DBE-4, Dibasic ester 4, CH₃OC(O)CH₂CH₂C(O)OCH₃, MFCD00008466, FDA UNII 914I2127JR, Beilstein 0956776, CoE 439, EINECS 203-419-9, CAS 106-65-0

Dimethyl Succinate has the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₄ and a molar mass of approximately 146.14 g/mol.
The structure of Dimethyl Succinate contains two methyl ester groups connected by a two-carbon chain.

Also known as Butanedioic Acid, Dimethyl Ester, Dimethyl Succinate belongs to the aliphatic diester family.
The two ester groups give Dimethyl Succinate useful reactivity in organic and polymer synthesis.

Dimethyl Succinate normally appears as a clear and colorless liquid or a white crystalline solid.
The physical form of Dimethyl Succinate can change near ordinary room temperature because of its relatively low melting point.

Dimethyl Succinate provides moderate solubility in water and good compatibility with many organic solvents.
Alcohols, ketones, ethers and ester-based solvents can mix readily with Dimethyl Succinate.

The boiling point of Dimethyl Succinate lies near 196°C.
The controlled evaporation rate of Dimethyl Succinate supports its use in coatings and industrial cleaning products.

Manufacturers commonly produce Dimethyl Succinate by esterifying succinic acid with methanol.
Acid catalysts can accelerate the reaction used to manufacture Dimethyl Succinate.

Removing water from the esterification system promotes the formation of Dimethyl Succinate.
Distillation and crystallization can provide Dimethyl Succinate with controlled purity and color.

Dimethyl Succinate functions as a high-boiling solvent in numerous industrial formulations.
The solvency of Dimethyl Succinate helps dissolve resins, polymers and organic residues.

Paint and coating formulations use Dimethyl Succinate to adjust flow and drying behavior.
Dimethyl Succinate can support smooth film formation and uniform surface coverage.

Industrial cleaners may contain Dimethyl Succinate to remove oils, resins and processing residues.
Dimethyl Succinate can reduce dependence on rapidly evaporating solvents in selected cleaning systems.

Dimethyl Succinate forms part of some dibasic ester solvent blends.
Blends containing Dimethyl Succinate often combine dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate with Dimethyl Succinate.

Polymer manufacturers use Dimethyl Succinate as an intermediate for polyester production.
Transesterification allows Dimethyl Succinate to react with suitable diols and polyols.

Resin and adhesive formulations may use Dimethyl Succinate as a solvent or reactive intermediate.
Dimethyl Succinate can improve processing and component compatibility in selected resin systems.

Pharmaceutical synthesis can use Dimethyl Succinate as a four-carbon building block.
Dimethyl Succinate supports the preparation of functional intermediates for complex organic molecules.

Agrochemical synthesis may employ Dimethyl Succinate as a solvent or chemical intermediate.
The ester functionality of Dimethyl Succinate enables several controlled chemical transformations.

Controlled hydrolysis converts Dimethyl Succinate into succinic acid and methanol.
Reduction reactions can transform Dimethyl Succinate into useful four-carbon alcohol intermediates.

Dimethyl Succinate can contribute to the production of 1,4-butanediol and related chemical intermediates.
Suitable catalytic processes can convert Dimethyl Succinate into more highly reduced compounds.

Bio-based succinic acid can serve as a raw material for producing Dimethyl Succinate.
Dimethyl Succinate therefore supports formulations developed with renewable carbon sources.

Purity, acidity, water content and color represent important quality parameters for Dimethyl Succinate.
Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods can confirm the identity and purity of Dimethyl Succinate.

Uses of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate is a key component of DBE (dibasic ester) solvent blends — commercial mixtures of dimethyl adipate (DBE-6), dimethyl glutarate (DBE-5), and dimethyl succinate (DBE-4) — used as high-boiling, low-toxicity, low-VOC solvents in industrial maintenance coatings, OEM coatings, automotive refinish systems, aircraft coatings, and as coalescent agents in waterborne coating formulations.
Dimethyl succinate is used as a paint stripper and surface preparation solvent, either neat or in DBE blends, where its high solvency for polyurethane, alkyd, and epoxy coatings combined with its low volatility and high flash point allow controlled, worker-safe stripping of coatings from aircraft, bridges, and industrial equipment.
Dimethyl succinate is used as a biodegradable, low-toxicity reaction solvent and extractant in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries, replacing more hazardous solvents such as DMF, NMP, and dichloromethane in synthetic steps requiring a polar aprotic-like medium; it is compatible with many condensation, esterification, and Knoevenagel reactions.
Dimethyl succinate is used as a plasticiser and coalescing agent in polymers and resins — including polyurethane dispersions, acrylic emulsions, and UV-curable coatings — where its moderate polarity, good solvency, and low volatility improve film formation, flexibility, and adhesion.
Dimethyl succinate is a synthetic building block and chemical intermediate in the synthesis of: succinic acid derivatives and succinate salts (by saponification); pharmaceuticals including prodrugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs); agrochemical intermediates; UV absorbers and HALS light stabilisers; and specialty polymers including poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and biodegradable polyesters via transesterification.
Dimethyl succinate is used as a fragrance ingredient (fruity, estery, green, floral, rummy note — tutti frutti, bubble gum, papaya) in perfumery, cosmetics, and personal care products; it is listed in CosIng for use as a fragrance ingredient, skin conditioning emollient, and solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Dimethyl succinate is registered as a flavour ingredient (fruity, green, rummy, winey, cognac, tart, waxy taste) by the Council of Europe (CoE 439) for use in food and beverage flavourings; it is also used as a solvent for flavour concentrations and encapsulation vehicles in the food industry.
Dimethyl succinate is used as a solvent and carrier in printing inks, cleaning agents, and degreasing formulations; as a bio-based building block in green chemistry and circular economy supply chains (succinic acid is produced by fermentation from bio-based feedstocks); and as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, GC calibration, and retention index measurements.

Benefits and Advantages of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate has an exceptionally favourable environmental and safety profile compared with conventional industrial solvents: it is readily biodegradable, has very low acute toxicity (no SVHC listing), a high flash point (85°C) reducing fire hazard, low vapour pressure (0.422 mmHg at 25°C) minimising worker inhalation exposure, and is miscible with water at high concentrations (25,000 mg/L), facilitating aqueous cleanup and waste treatment.
The combination of high solvency power for organic polymers (polyurethane, epoxy, alkyd), high boiling point (195–197°C), low vapour pressure, and biodegradability makes dimethyl succinate and DBE blends the preferred choice for environmentally regulated coating stripping, maintenance coating, and industrial cleaning applications that have shifted away from methylene chloride and NMP.
Dimethyl succinate is increasingly available from bio-based succinic acid (produced by microbial fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or CO₂/H₂ — Reverdia, Succinity, BioAmber routes), providing a renewable carbon feedstock pathway that reduces dependence on petrochemicals and lowers the product carbon footprint, supporting regulatory compliance with bio-content requirements in the EU Green Deal context.
Dimethyl succinate's pleasant fruity-green ester odour profile and food-grade status (CoE 439) allow it to serve simultaneously as a functional solvent and fragrance contributor in personal care, cosmetic, and flavour applications, reducing the number of formulation components required.

Features of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate is a colourless to pale yellow, clear liquid at room temperature (melting point 18–20°C; may appear as a soft solid below ambient temperature); it has a characteristic pleasant fruity-estery-green floral odour with medium strength and 11-hour substantivity; specific gravity 1.116–1.126 at 25°C; boiling point 195–197°C at 760 mmHg; flash point 85°C (TCC); vapour pressure 0.422 mmHg at 25°C; refractive index 1.413–1.423 at 20°C.
Dimethyl succinate is miscible with ethanol, acetone, and most organic solvents; soluble in water at 25,000 mg/L (20°C) — significantly more water-soluble than most di-ester solvents (logP 0.35–0.40); slightly soluble in oils; acid value ≤1.0 mgKOH/g (specification); vapour density ~5.04 (vs air, calculated from MW 146/29); odour type: fruity; odour notes: estery, fruity, green, floral, rummy, tutti frutti, bubble gum, papaya; taste notes: fruity, green, rummy, winey, cognac, sour, tart, waxy.
Key thermodynamic properties: ΔfH°gas = −778.15 kJ/mol; ΔcH°solid = −2,959.00 kJ/mol; ΔvapH° = 60.90–62.40 kJ/mol; ΔvapH at 405 K = 49.30 kJ/mol; ΔfusH° = 20.03 kJ/mol; Tc = 631.25 K; Pc = 3,060 kPa; Vc = 0.424 m³/kmol; ω = 0.5383; IE = 10.09 eV; Tboil = 468–473 K; Tfus = 290–293 K; McVol = 110.28 mL/mol; log₁₀WS = −0.87.
Dimethyl succinate is a linear symmetrical diester — the two methyl ester groups are separated by a two-carbon ethylene bridge (-CH₂-CH₂-); the molecule is centrosymmetric with C₂h symmetry in the lowest energy conformation; it does not contain aromatic rings, halogens, nitrogen, sulfur, or heavy metals; it is fully miscible with the other members of the dibasic ester (DBE) series.

Chemical Properties of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate has IUPAC name dimethyl butanedioate, molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₄, molecular weight 146.14 g/mol, SMILES COC(=O)CCC(=O)OC, InChI=1S/C6H10O4/c1-9-5(7)3-4-6(8)10-2/h3-4H2,1-2H3, InChIKey MUXOBHXGJLMRAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N; XlogP3 0.40; FDA UNII 914I2127JR; Beilstein 0956776; MDL MFCD00008466; EC 203-419-9; CoE 439.
Dimethyl succinate undergoes the characteristic reactions of an aliphatic diester: (1) base hydrolysis (saponification) with NaOH or KOH to give disodium or dipotassium succinate + methanol; (2) acid hydrolysis to succinic acid + methanol; (3) transesterification with alcohols (e.g., 1,4-butanediol) in the presence of titanate or zinc catalysts to produce poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and higher dialkyl succinates; (4) aminolysis with amines to give succinamides; (5) Dieckmann condensation (intramolecular Claisen condensation with base) to give dimethyl 3-oxoglutarate; (6) reduction with LiAlH₄ or NaBH₄/BH₃ to give 1,4-butanediol and methanol.
Dimethyl succinate is produced by esterification of succinic acid with methanol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst (H₂SO₄, p-TsOH, or ion exchange resin) with continuous water removal, or by transesterification of succinic acid esters with methanol; succinic acid is obtained either from petrochemical sources (maleic anhydride hydrogenation) or from bio-based fermentation (glucose fermentation by Aspergillus niger, E. coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae — Reverdia, Succinity, BioAmber processes).
Dimethyl succinate is incompatible with strong bases (saponification), strong acids (at elevated temperature), strong oxidising agents, and reducing agents; it is stable at ambient temperature; it does not polymerise under normal conditions; it is not classified as flammable (flash point 85°C — combustible liquid class); it does not form explosive mixtures with air under normal storage.

Production of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate is produced industrially by (1) direct esterification of succinic acid with excess methanol in the presence of H₂SO₄ or p-TsOH catalyst at 60–90°C with azeotropic water removal; (2) transesterification of dimethyl malonate or related dicarboxylate esters; (3) as a by-product of the production of other DBE components (dimethyl glutarate, dimethyl adipate) during nylon or adipic acid manufacture; and (4) from bio-based succinic acid produced by microbial fermentation of C₆ sugars (glucose, sucrose) or CO₂ fixation.
Commercial dimethyl succinate is available at ≥98% (assay) and ≥99.0% (reagent/high purity) purities as a colourless to pale yellow clear liquid; specification limits: specific gravity 1.116–1.126 at 25°C; refractive index 1.413–1.423 at 20°C; acid value ≤1.0 mgKOH/g; water content ≤0.1%; colour (APHA) ≤10; packaging: 200 kg steel drum; IBC; bulk tank.

Dimethyl Succinate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):

Handling of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate is a combustible liquid (flash point 85°C) — keep away from open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces above the flash point; avoid breathing vapours at elevated temperatures; use in well-ventilated areas; wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection) as it may cause skin and eye irritation with prolonged contact.
Dimethyl succinate has low acute toxicity and low vapour pressure at ambient temperature (0.422 mmHg at 25°C), minimising inhalation risk under normal handling conditions; standard laboratory and industrial hygiene practices are sufficient for routine handling at ambient temperature.

Dimethyl Succinate SDS:

Stability and Reactivity of Dimethyl Succinate:

Chemical stability:
Dimethyl succinate is chemically stable under normal ambient storage conditions.
Dimethyl succinate undergoes slow hydrolysis in the presence of water and strong acids or bases; it is susceptible to saponification by strong alkali.

Reactivity:
Dimethyl succinate undergoes transesterification with alcohols in the presence of acid or base catalysts.
Dimethyl succinate reacts with strong bases (saponification) and strong acids at elevated temperature; it is incompatible with strong oxidising agents.

Conditions to avoid:
Open flames and ignition sources above flash point 85°C.
Strong bases (saponification — formation of disodium succinate + methanol).
Strong acids at elevated temperature.
Strong oxidising agents.

Incompatible materials:
Strong alkali (NaOH, KOH) — saponification.
Strong mineral acids at elevated temperature.
Strong oxidising agents (peroxides, permanganates).
Reactive metals (sodium, potassium — reaction with ester group).

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) upon combustion.
Methanol vapour upon thermal decomposition or saponification.
Succinic acid vapour/decomposition products at very high temperatures.

Handling and Storage of Dimethyl Succinate:

Handling:
Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid ignition sources above flash point 85°C.
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety goggles for prolonged or repeated contact.
Standard industrial hygiene practices are sufficient for routine ambient-temperature handling.
Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool (below 30°C), dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and heat.
Protect from frost (melting point 18–20°C — may solidify at low ambient temperatures).
Keep away from strong alkalis and oxidising agents.
Packaging: 200 kg steel drum; 1,000 L IBC; bulk tank.
No special transport hazard classification; combustible liquid.

First Aid Measures for Dimethyl Succinate:

Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air; if symptoms (respiratory irritation, dizziness) develop, consult a physician.
Under normal ambient handling conditions, vapour exposure is negligible (low vapour pressure); risk increases at elevated temperatures.

Skin contact:
Wash with soap and water; prolonged or repeated contact may cause skin irritation.
Remove contaminated clothing; consult a physician if irritation develops.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth with water; consult a physician; dimethyl succinate has low acute oral toxicity.
Do not induce vomiting without medical advice.

Firefighting Measures for Dimethyl Succinate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
CO₂, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam; water spray (to cool containers and dilute spill).

Specific hazards:
Dimethyl succinate is a combustible liquid (flash point 85°C) — not flammable under ambient conditions; vapours are heavier than air; combustion produces CO, CO₂, and methanol vapour.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
SCBA and full protective clothing; cool heated containers with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures for Dimethyl Succinate:

Personal precautions:
Remove ignition sources; use appropriate PPE; ventilate area.

Environmental precautions:
Dimethyl succinate is readily biodegradable and has low environmental toxicity; prevent large quantities from entering water courses or sewers.

Clean-up methods:
Absorb with inert absorbent material (vermiculite, sand, dry earth); collect in closed containers; wash area with water.
Dispose as non-hazardous chemical waste in accordance with local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment for Dimethyl Succinate:

Engineering controls:
Good general ventilation; local exhaust ventilation at elevated temperatures; standard laboratory and industrial practice.

Eye protection:
Safety glasses or goggles.

Hand protection:
Nitrile or neoprene gloves for prolonged contact.

Respiratory protection:
No special respiratory protection required under normal ambient conditions; use organic vapour cartridge respirator if used at elevated temperatures or in confined spaces.

Dimethyl Succinate Identifiers:
CAS Number: 106-65-0
EC Number: 203-419-9
Beilstein: 0956776
MDL Number: MFCD00008466
FDA UNII: 914I2127JR
CoE Number: 439
IUPAC Name: Dimethyl butanedioate
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight: 146.14 g/mol
SMILES: COC(=O)CCC(=O)OC
InChI: InChI=1S/C6H10O4/c1-9-5(7)3-4-6(8)10-2/h3-4H2,1-2H3
InChIKey: MUXOBHXGJLMRAB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
XlogP3: 0.40
logP (o/w): 0.35
log₁₀WS: −0.87
McGowan volume: 110.28 mL/mol
Ionisation energy: 10.09 eV
ΔcH°solid: −2,959.00 kJ/mol
ΔfH°gas: −778.15 kJ/mol
ΔvapH°: 60.90–62.40 kJ/mol
ΔfusH°: 20.03 kJ/mol
Tc: 631.25 K; Pc: 3,060 kPa; Vc: 0.424 m³/kmol; ω: 0.5383
GHS Signal Word: Warning
GHS Hazard Statements: H302, H312, H332 (harmful if swallowed / in contact with skin / if inhaled); eye and skin irritant
Flash point: 85°C (185°F, TCC)
CosIng: Yes (fragrance, skin conditioning — emollient, solvent)
CoE: 439 (flavour ingredient)

Properties of Dimethyl Succinate:
Physical state: Liquid at room temperature (low-melting solid below ~18°C)
Appearance: Colourless to pale yellow clear liquid
Odour: Fruity, estery, green, floral (medium strength, 11-hour substantivity)
Molecular formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular weight: 146.14 g/mol
Melting point: 18–20°C
Boiling point: 195–197°C (760 mmHg); 80°C (11 mmHg)
Flash point: 85°C (185°F, TCC)
Specific gravity: 1.116–1.126 at 25°C
Refractive index: 1.413–1.423 at 20°C
Vapour pressure: 0.422 mmHg at 25°C
Water solubility: 25,000 mg/L at 20°C
Solubility: Miscible with ethanol, acetone, most organic solvents; slightly soluble in oils
logP (o/w): 0.35–0.40
Acid value: ≤1.0 mgKOH/g (specification)
GHS Classification: Warning (H302, H312, H332); combustible liquid
Storage: Below 30°C; tightly closed; away from ignition sources and strong alkalis

Dimethyl Succinate Properties — Specifications:
Product name: Dimethyl succinate (DBE-4)
CAS Number: 106-65-0
EC Number: 203-419-9
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Molecular Weight: 146.14 g/mol
Assay: ≥98.0%; ≥99.0% (reagent/high purity)
Specific gravity: 1.116–1.126 at 25°C
Refractive index: 1.413–1.423 at 20°C
Acid value: ≤1.0 mgKOH/g
Water content: ≤0.1%
Colour (APHA): ≤10
Appearance: Colourless to pale yellow clear liquid
Melting point: 18–20°C
Boiling point: 195–197°C
Flash point: 85°C (TCC)
Storage: Below 30°C; tightly closed; cool, dry, ventilated; protect from frost
Packaging: 200 kg steel drum; 1,000 L IBC; bulk tank
Documents: CoA (Certificate of Analysis), MSDS/SDS available

Names of Dimethyl Succinate:
Dimethyl succinate
Dimethyl butanedioate
Succinic acid dimethyl ester
Dimethyl ester of succinic acid
1,4-Butanedioic acid dimethyl ester
Methyl succinate
Dimethyl 1,4-butanedioate
DBE-4
Dibasic ester 4
CH₃OC(O)CH₂CH₂C(O)OCH₃
Beilstein 0956776
MFCD00008466
FDA UNII 914I2127JR
CoE 439
CAS 106-65-0
EINECS 203-419-9