Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Methyl Sulfoxide, Methyl Sulfinyl Methane, Sulfinylbis Methane, DMSO, 67-68-5

DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE (DMSO)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)
    
         O
         ||
    CH₃ — S — CH₃

    Dimethyl Sulfoxide
    (CH₃)₂SO

Molecular Formula: C₂H₆OS
SMILES: CS(=O)C
InChI: InChI=1S/C2H6OS/c1-4(2)3/h1-2H3
Functional Groups: Sulfoxide group (S=O)
Structure: Organic sulfur compound; Polar aprotic solvent

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF DMSO AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Oxidation of Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) (Main Industrial Method)

• Reaction: (CH₃)₂S + ½O₂ → (CH₃)₂SO

• Description: Dimethyl sulfide is oxidized with oxygen or nitrogen dioxide; Catalysts such as vanadium or iron-based catalysts are used to increase reaction rate and yield; Product is purified to obtain high-purity DMSO; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: Oxidation of Dimethyl Sulfide with Hydrogen Peroxide

• Reaction: (CH₃)₂S + H₂O₂ → (CH₃)₂SO + H₂O

• Description: Dimethyl sulfide is oxidized with hydrogen peroxide; DMSO is formed; Used for smaller-scale production

Method 3: Oxidation of Dimethyl Sulfide with Nitrogen Dioxide

• Reaction: (CH₃)₂S + NO₂ → (CH₃)₂SO + NO

• Description: Dimethyl sulfide is oxidized with nitrogen dioxide; DMSO is formed; Used in industrial processes

Method 4: Extraction from Natural Sources

• Process: Wood pulping by-product → DMSO (trace amounts)

• Description: DMSO is naturally present in trace amounts in some plants and as a by-product of wood pulping; Limited commercial significance

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes mild skin irritation (H316). Avoid skin contact.

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Avoid inhalation of vapors.

• Highly hygroscopic. Absorbs moisture from air. Store in airtight containers.

• Skin penetration enhancer. Rapidly penetrates skin; May carry dissolved substances through skin.

• Slightly flammable. Keep away from heat and open flames.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, strong bases, and strong oxidizing agents.

• Freezes at 18.5°C. May crystallize in cold environments; Thaw before use.

• Hygiene Requirement: Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

• Medical Use: Only pharmaceutical grade DMSO should be used for medical applications.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Chemical Synthesis: Use as polar aprotic solvent for SN2 reactions; Enhances nucleophilic reactivity; Preferred solvent for many organic reactions; Use dry DMSO for moisture-sensitive reactions.

• Cryopreservation: Use as cryoprotectant in cell culture media (5-10%); Prevents ice crystal formation during freezing; Protects cells and tissues; Essential for stem cell and tissue storage.

• Transdermal Drug Delivery: Use as skin penetration enhancer; Enhances drug absorption through skin; Carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients; Typical concentration 1-20% in formulations.

• Laboratory: Use as solvent in NMR spectroscopy; Chromatography applications; Analytical chemistry; Chemical analysis.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid skin contact; Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate respiratory protection; Store in airtight containers.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, protective clothing, NIOSH-approved respirator (if vapor/mist).

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Protect from moisture; Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; Store in cool, well-ventilated area.

• Spill Response: Contain spill; Absorb with inert material; Place in closed containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.

SPECIAL NOTE ON SKIN PENETRATION:

DMSO rapidly penetrates skin and other biological membranes:

• Mechanism: Disrupts lipid barrier; Increases membrane permeability

• Effect: Facilitates absorption of dissolved substances

• Caution: May carry contaminants through skin

• Recommendation: Use clean, pure DMSO for medical/research applications; Avoid contact with contaminated DMSO

SPECIAL NOTE ON CRYOPRESERVATION:

DMSO is widely used as a cryoprotectant:

• Mechanism: Prevents ice crystal formation; Lowers freezing point; Protects cells during freezing

• Concentration: Typically 5-10% in cell culture media

• Application: Cell storage; Tissue preservation; Organ preservation; Stem cell banking

• Protocol: Gradual freezing; Thaw quickly at 37°C; Remove DMSO from cells after thawing

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.