Dimethyl itaconate is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester, specifically the dimethyl ester of itaconic acid. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic ester odor. Its molecular structure features a reactive methylene group adjacent to the carbonyl, making it a versatile monomer. Its primary industrial application is as a key monomer in the production of polymers and specialty materials. It is copolymerized with other monomers (e.g., methyl methacrylate, styrene) to introduce functional groups, improve adhesion, and modify the properties of resins, latexes, and coatings. It is also a crucial precursor for the synthesis of bio-based polymers, such as poly(itaconate) derivatives, which are explored as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Furthermore, dimethyl itaconate has gained significant attention in biomedical research due to its role as a cell-permeable precursor of itaconate, an endogenous anti-inflammatory metabolite. In this context, it is used as a pharmacological tool to study immunometabolism and inflammatory pathways. It also serves as a valuable synthetic building block in organic chemistry for Michael addition reactions and the preparation of various functionalized compounds.