Section
| HS Code | 336386 |
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl succinate |
| Iupac Name | Dimethyl butanedioate |
| Synonyms | Succinic acid dimethyl ester; Dimethyl butanedioate; Methyl succinate |
| Cas Registry Number | 106-65-0 |
| Ec Number | 203-419-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H10O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 146.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild ester-like odor |
| Melting Point | 19.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 196 °C |
| Density | 1.117 g/cm³ at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.419 at 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 85 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohols and ethers; partially soluble in water |
As an accredited Dimethyl Succinate factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | Dimethyl succinate is packaged in 25 kg chemical-resistant high-density polyethylene drums with secure, clearly labeled closures. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | Dimethyl Succinate loaded in a 20′ FCL container, securely packed, kept dry, protected from heat/moisture, with proper labeling and documentation. |
| Shipping | Ship Dimethyl Succinate in clean, dry, sealed, compatible containers at ambient conditions, away from heat, sparks, oxidizers, and moisture. Protect from sunlight and physical damage. Label per local regulations, provide the SDS, and confirm dangerous-goods classification with the carrier before shipment. |
| Storage | Store Dimethyl Succinate in a tightly closed, properly labeled container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, flames, and direct sunlight. Keep separate from strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Use secondary containment, ground/bond containers during transfer, maintain spill control, and keep containers upright to prevent leakage. Do not store near food or drink. |
| Shelf Life | Store sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place; dimethyl succinate typically has a shelf life of about two years. |
Dimethyl succinate (CAS 106-65-0, ester content ≥99.0%) is charged into heated immersion stripping formulations for cured alkyd and two-component epoxy coatings at 35–45 wt% in the ready-to-use bath. In production-scale metal refinishing lines, the ester acts as a concentrated oxygenated solvent that narrows the evaporation band and reduces the need for methylene chloride or NMP co-solvents, although published data for this specific pure-grade configuration is limited. Compliance for EU and US shipments is assessed under EU Directive 2004/42/EC Annex IIB, REACH (EC) No 1907/2006, ASTM D2369-20 for volatile organic compound content, and ISO 11890-2:2020 for non-aqueous solvent samples. The downstream production process is an immersion tank line built from 304L stainless steel with continuous filtration and forced extraction: coated steel tooling or components are loaded, held at 55–65°C for 30–60 min under 0.5–1.0 kW/m³ agitation energy, then transferred to a 25–30°C deionized-water rinse station with conductivity below 5 µS/cm. Terminal finished products include OEM metal refinishing paint strippers, epoxy/alkyd cured-coating removers for maintenance operations, and alkaline-stabilized industrial cleaning concentrates where dimethyl succinate replaces dibasic ester mixtures to narrow the boiling range. Operational boundaries apply: repeated cycles can hydrolyze the ester and lower bath pH below 3.0, so free methanol and succinic acid levels should be monitored in baths exceeding 60°C when aluminum fixtures are present.
In low-VOC acrylic dispersions with minimum film formation temperatures above 10°C, dimethyl succinate is incorporated into the coalescing solvent package at 2.0–7.0 wt% of total binder solids, not as the sole coalescent, because its water miscibility shifts partition behavior between the aqueous serum and polymer particle surface. The addition point follows the pH adjustment step at 7.5–8.5, typically after the grind has been diluted with letdown binder, under 600–1000 rpm high-shear dispersion for 20–30 min; post-addition checks are conducted according to ISO 2555:2018 for Brookfield viscosity and ISO 2884-2:2024 for cone-and-plate high-shear viscosity. Coalescence performance is screened by drawing down 75–100 µm wet films on sealed Leneta charts at 5°C, 10°C, and 15°C, with film cracking evaluated after 24 h under ASTM D7306-07. Regulatory compliance for the finished coating references EU Directive 2004/42/EC Annex IIA category limits, ASTM D6886-18 for VOC determination, and SCAQMD Rule 1113 for architectural and industrial maintenance coatings. Terminal products are waterborne interior/exterior architectural paints, low-VOC metal protective topcoats, and factory-applied wood coatings where open time extension and early block resistance are balanced. The operational boundary at relative humidity above 60% requires pre-dried polymer binder and slow solvent addition to prevent microfoam entrapment; dimethyl succinate should not be premixed with amine-neutralized dispersions in concentrated form because localized ester hydrolysis can lower pH and destabilize the latex.
Spray-under-immersion defluxing of no-clean Pb-free solder residues over high-density PWB assemblies uses dimethyl succinate at 10–20 wt% in a solvent-surfactant concentrate that is then closed-loop recirculated at 40–55°C. The rosin-dissolving fraction, when combined with 30–50 wt% ethylene glycol monobutyl ether and 5–10 wt% nonylphenol-free ethoxylated surfactant, lifts reflowed tacky flux from 0.4 mm-pitch QFP leads without opening solder mask adhesion. In-process cleanliness is verified under IPC-TM-650 method 2.3.38 for surface ionics, with resistivity below 10 MΩ·cm after 3–6 min contact time, while solder joint acceptance follows IPC J-STD-001H cleanliness criteria. The production line integrates a prewash stage at 20–25°C, a heated defluxing chamber with 0.3–0.6 MPa spray pressure, a deionized-water rinse at 5 µS/cm, and hot-air drying at 65–70°C. REACH registration under (EC) No 1907/2006 and the solvent emissions limits of IEC 61189-5:2020 apply to the formulated product when supplied for electronics assembly in the EU. Terminal products are stencil cleaners, misprinted board cleaners, and no-clean flux removers for high-reliability automotive and telecommunication assemblies. The ester is not recommended for ultrasonic tanks exceeding 60°C when aluminum fixture housings are present, because prolonged contact with water-saturated dimethyl succinate hydrolyzes the ester and generates succinic acid, which can etch aluminum surfaces.
In pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediate synthesis, dimethyl succinate is metered as a methyl ester acyl donor at 1.00–1.10 mol per mole of primary amine or alcohol in condensation steps leading to succinimide, succinic acid, and succinyl chloride derivatives. The reaction is conducted in glass-lined or 316L stainless steel vessels with a nitrogen blanket at 110–140°C, and liberated methanol is removed through a reflux splitter or wiped-film evaporator to shift equilibrium; residual methanol levels are monitored by headspace GC with a target below 0.10% by weight. Process compliance for APIs references ICH Q3D elemental impurity risk assessment, ISO 9001:2015 batch traceability, and REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 for tonnage registration; residual solvent limits for methanol and dimethyl succinate in final actives follow USP <467> or Ph. Eur. 2.4.24 depending on the pharmacopeial monograph. Downstream isolation is performed by vacuum distillation at 2–5 kPa and 95–120°C for lower-boiling products, or by crystallization from toluene/hexane after hydrolysis for succinic acid. Terminal finished products include succinimide-based anticonvulsant intermediates, succinic anhydride for polymer modification, and succinyl chloride used in agrochemical and photographic chemistry. Storage in carbon steel is avoided because trace iron accelerates color development in downstream hydrogenation; moisture pickup above 0.05% shifts hydrolysis rates and should be controlled with nitrogen blanketing and desiccant breathers.
Polyester polyol synthesis from dimethyl succinate proceeds through a two-stage transesterification–polycondensation sequence in which dimethyl succinate replaces 20–40 mol% of the total dicarboxylic ester charge, typically alongside adipic acid and diethylene glycol. In the first stage, methanol is distilled at atmospheric pressure while the reactor reaches 160–180°C; in the second stage, vacuum is reduced stepwise to below 5 kPa and the temperature is raised to 200–220°C until the acid value falls below 1.0 mg KOH/g and the hydroxyl value reaches 18–35 mg KOH/g according to ISO 14900:2017 and ASTM D4662-20. Catalyst levels of 0.03–0.08 wt% tetrabutyl titanate are maintained to avoid ester pyrolysis and color formation; viscosity at 25°C is controlled at 15–45 Pa·s using ISO 2555:2018 Brookfield methodology. The resulting succinate-modified polyols are then dehydrated to below 0.03% moisture and reacted with aromatic or aliphatic polyisocyanates at an NCO/OH index of 1.05–1.15. Compliance for polyurethane adhesives and sealants intended for industrial use references REACH (EC) No 1907/2006 and, where applicable, 21 CFR 177.1680 for polyurethane resins in repeat-use food-contact articles. Terminal products are moisture-cure polyurethane adhesives for structural panel bonding, elastic sealants for transportation assembly, and low-hardness automotive interior coatings. The processing window narrows when free ethylene glycol is present: at reactor temperatures above 210°C, the succinate ester begins to crack and releases methanol, causing foam generation in the vacuum line and batch-to-batch viscosity drift.
In fruit-type flavor diluents, regulatory acceptance of dimethyl succinate is established by FDA 21 CFR 172.515, FEMA 2396, and EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which permit its use as a flavoring substance in fruit-type profiles. In finished food and beverage matrices, addition levels range from 1.0 ppm to 20.0 ppm, with higher inclusion up to 25.0 ppm used in chewing gum and hard confectionery where release is delayed by the base matrix; published use-level data for pure dimethyl succinate in specific beverage emulsions is limited, so dosages are confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry recovery studies. The downstream production process first dissolves the ester in 95% v/v ethanol, propylene glycol, or triacetin at 20–25°C, then doses the solution after thermal processing to avoid evaporative losses, using an inline high-shear mixer at 3000–5000 rpm for emulsion-containing products. Analytical release for imported lots is supported by capillary GC identification with ester content not less than 98.0% and residual solvent limits aligned with JECFA specifications. Terminal finished products include natural-identical fruit flavors for confectionery, carbonated beverages, oral care pastes, and cosmetic fragrance fixatives where a mild winey-fruity ester note is required. Avoid storage in unlined high-density polyethylene containers for more than 90 days, because slow sorption into the polymer wall reduces active titer and can introduce oxidative byproducts that shift the sensory profile.
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Dimethyl succinate (CAS 106-65-0), also designated DBE-4 in dibasic ester nomenclature, is the dimethyl ester of succinic acid. Its molecular structure is CH3OOC(CH2)2COOCH3; the molecular weight is 146.14 g/mol, and the oxygen content is 43.8% by mass. Commercial material is supplied as a clear, colorless-to-pale liquid under grade designations DMS-99 and DMS-HP. DMS-99 is a standard esterification-grade product with a gas chromatographic assay of ≥99.0 area%, while DMS-HP is a reduced-moisture grade intended for moisture-sensitive catalytic operations. The manufacturing sequence includes acid-catalyzed esterification of petrochemical or bio-succinic acid with methanol, neutralization with sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, methanol recovery under reduced pressure, fractional distillation through a packed column with defined reflux control, and final polishing filtration. Because the pure-component melting point is near 19 °C, drums can solidify in unheated warehouses; bulk storage design must account for this thermal boundary rather than treating the product as a year-round free-flowing liquid.
Release verification is performed by gas chromatographic area normalization for assay, Karl Fischer coulometry for water, titration for acidity expressed as succinic acid, visual comparison for APHA color, digital densitometry for density, and distillation range. The values in the table represent typical release limits for material packed in HDPE drums or stainless steel isotanks maintained under nitrogen blanket. Methanol and succinic acid are the principal process residues that affect downstream reactor performance and formulation stability.
| Property | DMS-99 | DMS-HP | Test method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assay, GC-FID area% | ≥99.0 | ≥99.5 | Gas chromatographic internal calibration |
| Water content | ≤0.10% | ≤0.05% | ASTM E203 |
| Acidity as succinic acid | ≤0.10% | ≤0.05% | ASTM D1613 |
| Color | ≤20 APHA | ≤10 APHA | ASTM D1209 |
| Density at 20 °C | 1.118–1.121 g/cm³ | 1.118–1.121 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| Distillation range, 5–95 vol% | 194–197 °C | 195–197 °C | ASTM D1078 |
| Methanol content | ≤0.05% | ≤0.01% | GC-FID headspace |
At ambient temperatures below 19 °C, dimethyl succinate can form acicular crystals that accumulate in low-flow dead legs, sight glasses, and pump suction lines. Bulk storage in carbon steel or 316L stainless steel is acceptable, but moisture ingress must be controlled to limit hydrolysis to monomethyl succinate and succinic acid. A desiccant filter on the tank vent is specified when relative humidity exceeds 60%. Transfer lines are heat traced to 25–30 °C and sloped to drain; magnetic-drive centrifugal pumps or canned-motor pumps reduce seal leakage from the low-viscosity ester. Heating above 120 °C for extended periods can generate methanol and succinic anhydride, increasing acidity and shifting the distillation endpoint. Nitrogen blanketing maintains the vapor space below the lower flammable limit during tank filling and preserves color stability.
Formulators evaluating dimethyl succinate as a tail solvent in polyester-melamine coil coatings observe a shorter evaporation profile than dimethyl adipate because the boiling point of 196 °C reduces retained volatiles after the same peak metal temperature ramp. In reverse roll coating trials, the lower closed-cup flash point of 90 °C required a reduction in direct-fired oven preheat temperature to keep solvent vapor below the LEL limit required by NFPA 33. Coating formulations stored below 19 °C showed crystal formation in open feed trays; closed recirculation with 25 °C jacketing eliminated the issue. ASTM D2369 volatile organic content and ASTM D523 specular gloss are used to verify transfer equivalence, but published data for specific polyester resin crosslinker combinations are limited; ladder studies are required before production substitution. The methyl ester also has a higher density than dimethyl adipate, which alters weight-per-gallon calculations and may reduce required inventory volume at equal solids content.
Dimethyl succinate differs from dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate in its shorter C4 backbone, higher density, and higher melting point. The shorter chain raises oxygen content to 43.8% by mass and lowers the normal boiling point to 196 °C. These properties place dimethyl succinate in a separate handling class: it evaporates more readily than the C5 and C6 dimethyl esters but solidifies at a significantly higher temperature.
| Property | Dimethyl succinate | Dimethyl glutarate | Dimethyl adipate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 106-65-0 | 1119-40-0 | 627-93-0 |
| Molecular formula | C6H10O4 | C7H12O4 | C8H14O4 |
| Molecular weight | 146.14 | 160.17 | 174.19 |
| Boiling point at 101.325 kPa | 196 °C | 214 °C | 230 °C |
| Melting point | 19 °C | −37 °C | 8 °C |
| Density at 20 °C, ASTM D4052 | 1.119 g/cm³ | 1.087 g/cm³ | 1.060 g/cm³ |
| Closed-cup flash point, ASTM D93 | 90 °C | 103 °C | 107 °C |
These differences affect solvent selection in cold climates. Dimethyl glutarate remains liquid below −30 °C and is therefore preferred for outdoor storage in northern installations, while dimethyl succinate requires trace heating or indoor storage at 25 °C. Dimethyl adipate has a lower density and a higher flash point, but its higher boiling point may extend cure time in low-bake systems. Mixed dibasic esters such as DBE-5 or DBE-9 depress the melting point by mixture formation; a narrow-cut DMS product does not benefit from this effect, so the liquid handling window between melting point and flash point is 71 °C for dimethyl succinate, compared with a wider window for dimethyl glutarate.
Dimethyl succinate is also distinguished from mixed dibasic ester products by its narrower distillation range. DBE-5 and DBE-9 are formulated from mixed dimethyl succinate, glutarate, and adipate; the mixed composition suppresses crystallization but broadens the boiling range to approximately 190–230 °C depending on the cut. In contrast, DMS-99 releases within 194–197 °C, which is beneficial for maintaining consistent evaporation during coil coating cure. However, the absence of lower-melting homologs removes the natural cold-handling advantage of mixed DBE products. A storage tank containing pure DMS can develop crystal deposition on the walls and roof if the vapor space is not heated; this has been observed in unheated outdoor tanks in northern climates. For this reason, bulk users often select dimethyl glutarate or a DBE-9 blend for outdoor installations and reserve dimethyl succinate for indoor process solvent applications.
Catalytic hydrogenation of dimethyl succinate in a fixed-bed reactor over Cu/Zn/Al oxide catalyst is used to produce 1,4-butanediol, γ-butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran. Reported conditions for succinate diester hydrogenation include hydrogen partial pressures of 10–20 MPa, reactor temperatures of 180–240 °C, and liquid hourly space velocities of 0.1–0.5 h⁻¹. The methyl ester route avoids the corrosion observed with molten succinic acid, but the release of methanol during hydrogenolysis requires a high-pressure separator and methanol recycle column. Selectivity to 1,4-butanediol decreases when the H₂/diester molar ratio falls below the stoichiometric requirement for complete ester-to-alcohol conversion; over-reduction to tetrahydrofuran becomes significant at low space velocities. Heat removal in an adiabatic fixed bed is controlled by quenching with recycled hydrogen or liquid product. The catalyst is activated by reduction in a H₂/N₂ stream before introduction of the ester feed. Published data for commercial dimethyl succinate hydrogenation configurations are limited; candidate processes are validated on pilot-scale reactors with catalyst particle diameters matching commercial bed pressure-drop constraints.
Dimethyl succinate can serve as an alkylating agent in condensation with amines to form succinimides and with active methylene compounds in Stobbe condensations. These reactions are used in pharmaceutical intermediate manufacture, but residual methanol and acid content must be controlled because they compete for the nucleophile. The DMS-HP grade with water ≤0.05% and acidity ≤0.05% is specified when the downstream chemistry uses moisture-sensitive alkoxide bases or organometallic reagents. On production-scale batch reactors, slow addition of dimethyl succinate below 20 °C is preferred for exothermic condensations; the half-life of the ester in the presence of sodium methoxide is dependent on water content, so pre-drying of feedstock and solvent is required before reaction.
In semi-aqueous industrial cleaning applications, dimethyl succinate is evaluated where its density of 1.119 g/cm³ improves separation from water and its slower evaporation reduces drying-line emissions. However, the ester is hydrolytically unstable in strongly alkaline baths above pH 10; cleaning formulations containing sodium metasilicate or potassium hydroxide should be tested for ester hydrolysis at the highest operating temperature. In ultrasonic cleaning equipment operating above 40 kHz, defoaming may be required because the surface tension of the ester differs from conventional hydrocarbon solvents. Unlike dimethyl carbonate, dimethyl succinate is not miscible with water in all proportions and has a much higher flash point, but its electrochemical reduction behavior differs from carbonate solvents, making it unsuitable for direct replacement in lithium-ion battery electrolyte formulations.
