Synonyms: DMSO; DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE;
Molecular Formula: C2H6OS
Molecular Weight: 78.13
Melting Point |
18.4 °C |
Boiling Point |
189 °C (lit.) |
Density |
1.100 g/mL at 20 °C |
Vapor Density |
2.7 (vs air) |
Vapor Pressure |
0.42 mm Hg (20 °C) |
Refractive Index |
n20/D 1.479 (lit.) |
Flash Point |
192 °F |
Storage Temperature |
Store at +5 °C to +30 °C. |
Solubility |
H2O: miscible (completely) |
pKa |
35 (at 25 °C) |
Form |
Liquid (temperature dependent) |
Color |
Clear, colorless |
Relative Polarity |
0.444 |
Odor |
Mild garlic odor |
Evaporation Rate |
4.3 |
Odor Type |
Alliaceous |
Explosive Limits |
1.8–63.0% (V) |
Water Solubility |
Soluble in water, methanol, acetone, ether, benzene, and chloroform. |
Freezing Point |
18.4 °C |
Sensitivity |
Hygroscopic |
Symbol (GHS) |
|
Signal Word |
Warning |
Hazard Codes |
Xi |
Autoignition Temperature |
215 °C |
HS Code |
29309070 |
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a sulfur-containing organic compound with the molecular formula (CH3)2SO. It is soluble in water, ethanol, propanol, ether, benzene, and chloroform, as well as many other organic substances. It is commonly referred to as the “universal solvent.” As an organic solvent, it has strong dissolving capability. It can dissolve most organic compounds, including carbohydrates, polymers, and peptides, as well as many inorganic salts and gases. It can dissolve a solute amount corresponding to 50–60% of its own weight (other common solvents typically dissolve only 10–20%), making it important for sample handling and for high-speed drug screening. Under certain conditions, contact between dimethyl sulfoxide and chloride may even lead to an explosive reaction.
Dimethyl sulfoxide is widely used as a solvent and reagent, particularly as a processing reagent and spinning solvent in acrylonitrile polymerization reactions used for polyurethane synthesis. It can also be used as a synthetic solvent for polyamide, polyimide, and polysulfone resins, as well as an extraction solvent for aromatic hydrocarbon and butadiene extraction. In addition, dimethyl sulfoxide can be used directly as a raw material or carrier for certain drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.