This paper is a significant advancement in the understanding of the chemistry of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and its oxidation products in the atmosphere. DMS is mainly emitted by marine phytoplankton and forms a relevant natural source of non-sea salt sulfate aerosols which plays an important role in global aerosol climate effects. However, the chemistry by which DMS oxidizes to form sulfate aerosols is highly complex. This work represents a next important step in the understanding of chemical processes within the reaction of OH with DMS. The results of this study allow to include a better, because less simplified, inclusion of DMS chemistry in large-scale models which can reduce errors in predicted aerosol radiative effects in past, present and future atmospheres.