Dimethyl succinate

Chemical properties

Dimethyl succinate is colorless to light yellow liquid and has a pleasant, ethereal, winy odor and fruity, winy and burning flavor. slightly soluble in water (1%), soluble in ethanol (3%), miscible in oil. Natural product exists in fried hazelnuts. It is used as a solvent in paints, lacquers, varnishes, nitrocellulose, paint strippers, dyes, fats, photography, and waxes. It is also used in the manufacture of other succinates.

Occurrence

Reported found in filbert nuts and starfruit.

The Uses of Dimethyl succinate

Dimethyl succinate is used as a flavoring agent. It have wide range of industrial applications such as Functional fluids (open systems), Intermediates, Paint additives and coating additives, Pigments Solvents, Viscosity adjustors.

Preparation

By direct esterification of the acid with the alcohol in benzene solution at the boil in the presence of concentrated H2SO4

Definition

ChEBI: Dimethyl succinate is a fatty acid methyl ester.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 0.1%: sweet, fruity, green with a soapy, waxy nuance

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 100, p. 1119, 1978 DOI: 10.1021/ja00472a016
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 59, p. 3500, 1994 DOI: 10.1021/jo00091a050

General Description

Colorless liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Dimethyl succinate reacts with acids to liberate heat along with methanol and succinic acid. May react with strong oxidizing acids to liberate enough heat to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated with alkali metals and hydrides.

Health Hazard

May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption. May cause irritation.

Fire Hazard

Dimethyl succinate is combustible. Vapor forms explosive mixtures with air.