Dimethyl ether is industrially synthesized exclusively via the chemical pathway. It can be directly produced from carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a reactor containing both methanol synthesis catalysts and methanol dehydration catalysts.   Additionally, it can be synthesized in a step-wise fashion by first isolating methanol, then dehydrating it to produce dimethyl ether. Microorganisms capable of methanol production include Methylobacterium sp., Methylococcus capsulatus, and Methylosinus trichosporium. The most common use is as an aerosol propellant and 150,000 metric tons a year is consumed.   With similar properties to liquefied petroleum gas, dimethyl ether could be used as a fuel.   It can be used in diesel engines and in gas turbines.  

The following are dimethyl ether pathway maps. For the biological pathway, organisms which carry out the pathway are given above, but other organisms may also carry out this biochemistry. Follow the links for more information on compounds or reactions.