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Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organosulfur compound with significant industrial and biological applications.
First synthesized in 1866 by Alexander Wanklyn, its unique properties have made it a subject of extensive research and utilization.
DMSO is a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic liquid known for its ability to penetrate biological membranes and dissolve a wide range of polar and nonpolar compounds.
CAS Number: 67-68-5
Synonyms: DMSO, Methyl sulfoxide, Dimethylsulfinylmethane, Dimethyl(oxido)sulfur, Methanesulfinylmethane, Dimexide
Chemical Structure and Properties
DMSO consists of a sulfur atom bonded to an oxygen atom and two methyl groups.
The structure can be represented as (CH₃)₂SO.
Its polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds contribute to its solvent capabilities.
The compound exhibits weak acidity, with a pKa of approximately 35, allowing it to stabilize carbanions and facilitate various chemical reactions.
Synthesis and Purification
DMSO is primarily produced through the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) using oxidizing agents such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide.
Purification methods include distillation, crystallization, and drying over desiccants to remove water content. Anhydrous DMSO is often preferred in laboratory settings due to its enhanced solvent properties.
Applications
Industrial Uses
Solvent in Chemical Reactions: DMSO serves as a solvent in various chemical reactions, including nucleophilic substitutions and polymerizations.
Extraction and Purification: It is utilized in the extraction of natural products and in the purification of compounds due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
Biological and Medical Applications
Cryopreservation: DMSO is employed as a cryoprotectant in the preservation of cells, tissues, and organs by preventing ice crystal formation during freezing.
Drug Delivery: Its membrane-penetrating ability makes it a candidate for enhancing the transdermal delivery of pharmaceutical agents.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: DMSO has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating conditions like interstitial cystitis and musculoskeletal disorders.
Laboratory Research
PCR and Molecular Biology: In molecular biology, DMSO is used in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to reduce secondary structures in DNA templates, enhancing amplification efficiency.
Cryobiology: It is a critical component in the cryopreservation of biological samples, protecting cells from damage during freezing and thawing processes.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
