It is a linear molecule with C-Cd bond lengths of 213 pm.

[1] The compound finds limited use as a reagent in organic synthesis and in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD).

It has also been used in the synthesis of cadmium selenide nanoparticles, although efforts have been made to replace it in this capacity due to its toxicity.

[2] Dimethylcadmium is prepared by treating cadmium dihalides with methyl Grignard reagents or methyllithium.

[4] Dimethylcadmium is a weak Lewis acid, forming a labile adduct with diethyl ether.