Dimethyl sulfoxide
[CAS# 67-68-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organic sulfur compound
• Name: Dimethyl sulfoxide
• Synonyms: Dimethylsulfoxide; Methyl sulfoxide; Sulfinylbis (methane); DMSO
• Molecular Formula: C₂H₆OS
• Molecular Weight: 78.12
• CAS Registry Number: 67-68-5
• EC Number: 200-664-3
• FEMA: 3875
• SMILES: CS(=O)C

Properties

• Density: 1.1
• Melting point: 18.4-19.0 °C
• Boiling point: 189 °C
• Refractive index: 1.477-1.48
• Flash point: 95 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	4	H227

Discovery and Applications

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless, odorless organic solvent with the molecular formula (CH₃)₂SO. Its discovery dates back to 1866, when Russian chemist Alexander Zaitsev first synthesized it during investigations into sulfur compounds. However, its significant commercial applications did not emerge until the mid-20th century when DMSO gained attention for its unique properties and versatility in various fields.

DMSO is primarily known for its role as a polar aprotic solvent, capable of dissolving both polar and nonpolar compounds. This characteristic arises from its polar nature and ability to engage in hydrogen bonding. As a result, DMSO is widely utilized in chemical research and industrial applications, facilitating reactions and extractions that require solubility for a diverse range of substances.

One of the critical applications of DMSO is in pharmaceuticals and drug formulation. Its capacity to penetrate biological membranes makes it an effective vehicle for delivering therapeutic agents. DMSO enhances the solubility and bioavailability of certain drugs, particularly those that are poorly soluble in water. Additionally, it is often used as a solvent for drug screening, allowing researchers to test the efficacy of various compounds in biological assays.

In the realm of biological and medical research, DMSO is utilized as a cryoprotectant in the preservation of cells and tissues. It prevents the formation of ice crystals during freezing, thereby protecting cellular structures and maintaining viability upon thawing. This property is particularly valuable in stem cell research, organ transplantation, and the storage of biological samples for later use.

DMSO's applications extend beyond the pharmaceutical industry. In polymer chemistry, it serves as a solvent in the synthesis and processing of various polymeric materials. It is also used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and other industrial formulations. The ability of DMSO to dissolve a wide range of polymers facilitates the development of materials with specific properties for diverse applications.

Moreover, DMSO is gaining attention in the field of agriculture as a potential pesticide and herbicide carrier. Its ability to enhance the penetration of active ingredients into plant tissues can improve the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals, promoting better crop protection.

In summary, dimethyl sulfoxide is a remarkable compound with a rich history and a broad spectrum of applications. Its unique solvent properties, ability to enhance drug delivery, and effectiveness as a cryoprotectant make it a valuable tool in various scientific and industrial domains. The ongoing research into DMSO's capabilities continues to expand its potential uses, solidifying its importance in chemistry, biology, and beyond.

References

2025. Enantioselective Fluorescence Recognition of Free α-Amino Acids by Ion-Type Ammonium Salt-Based Sensors. Journal of Fluorescence, 35(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03568-7

2025. Rhodamine-based Fluorescent Probe With Quick Response and High Selectivity for Imaging Labile Ferrous Iron in Living Cells and Zebrafish. Journal of Fluorescence, 35(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10895-023-03551-2

2025. Direct and quantitative analysis of tRNA acylation using intact tRNA liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nature Protocols, 20(1).
DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-01086-9