Dimethyl phthalate appears as a water-white liquid without significant odor. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Hence it sinks in water. Flash point 300°F.

Eye contact may produce severe irritation and direct skin contact may produce mild irritation. Used in the manufacture of a variety of products including plastics, safety glass, and lacquer coatings.

Although Dimethyl and diethyl phthalates are the esters derived from o-phthalic acid and methanol and ethanol, respectively. They are used in veterinary medicines as plasticizers in film coating, at levels of 0.1% or below. Dimethyl phthalate is also used as an insect repellent in some topical formulations, again at levels of 0.1% or less. Both esters are used in some topical products as co-solvents at levels of up to 5%, while dimethyl phthalate is used in some oral or bolus products at levels of up to 5%.

Acute (short-term) exposure to dimethyl phthalate, via inhalation in humans and animals, results in irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. No information is available on the chronic (long-term), reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of dimethyl phthalate in humans.