Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a versatile, aprotic solvent. It is broadly used in chemical, biochemical & also in industrial applications. It is known for its exceptional solvency power and ability to permeate biological membranes, DMSO stands out among polar organic solvents. Its unique physical, chemical as well as safety properties make it a staple in laboratories, pharmaceuticals & cryopreservation protocols.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide is commonly also known as DMSO. It is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula C₂H₆OS & CAS No. 67 68 5. It features a central sulfur atom bonded to two methyl groups & also an oxygen atom. It creates a dipolar as well as aprotic solvent with remarkable miscibility in both aqueous & also organic media.
DMSO is colorless and hygroscopic, with a melting point around 18–19 °C and a boiling point near 189 °C. Its high dielectric constant (~48 at 20 °C) facilitates solvation of ionic & also highly polar compounds. The molecule’s strong dipole moment (~3.96 D) as well as low vapor pressure (~0.56 mbar at 20 °C) further underscore its suitability in demanding solvents systems.
Industrially, DMSO is used as a solvent as well as reaction medium. Biologically, as a cryoprotectant and penetration enhancer. Analytically, in NMR studies (especially in its deuterated form, DMSO d₆). Biomedically, it has even been explored in interstitial cystitis treatment. Despite its safety when handled correctly, DMSO requires caution: it can penetrate skin and may carry dissolved toxins into the body.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 67-68-5 |
| Chemical Name | Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) |
| Molecular Formula | C2H6OS |
| Appearance | Colorless, hygroscopic liquid |
| Density (20 °C) | ~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Molecular Weight | 78.13 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 18–19 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~189 °C |
| Flash Point (closed cup) | ~87–89 °C |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | ~0.556 mbar |
| Dielectric Constant | ~48 at 20 °C |
| Dipole Moment | ~3.96 D |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with water, alcohols, acetone, chloroform; not miscible with alkanes |
Here are standard quality-grade specifications for laboratory and industrial-grade DMSO:
Purity (by GC): ≥ 99.9% (for high-purity analytical grade)
Water Content (Karl Fischer Method): ≤ 0.05%
Acidity (as Acetic Acid): ≤ 0.005%
Alkalinity (as NaOH): ≤ 0.001%
Residue on Evaporation (Non-volatile matter): ≤ 0.005%
Peroxide Content: Not detectable or ≤ 0.001%
UV Absorbance (at 275 nm and 295 nm): This meets spectral purity standards (used in spectroscopy-grade DMSO)
Color (APHA/Pt-Co Scale): ≤ 10 (pale yellow maximum allowed; colorless preferred)
Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤ 0.1 ppm
Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.1 ppm
Refractive Index (nD²⁰): 1.479–1.481
Specific Gravity at 20 °C: ~1.095–1.101
Distillation Range: 186–190 °C for 95% of the volume
UV Transmittance (for high-purity grades): ≥ 98% at 280 nm
Stability: Chemically stable under recommended storage conditions for up to 2 years
Exact figures depend on supplier. Premium analytical along with high purity grades offer more stringent levels.
Hazards & Precautions
Classified as a combustible liquid (GHS category 4, flash point ~87 °C)
Causes skin and eye irritation; harmful if inhaled or absorbed
Readily penetrates skin, potentially transporting other compounds into bloodstream
Handling Guidelines
Use in well-airy areas, ideally a fume hood
Avoid ignition sources; eliminate static buildup
Keep containers tightly closed; store under inert gas for moisture-sensitive grades
Personal Protective Equipment
Lab coat, safety goggles, face shield depending on risk
Nitrile or chloroprene gloves (e.g. 0.65 mm thickness, ≥ 480 min breakthrough)
If aerosol or vapor formed, use respiratory protection
Storage Conditions
Store in cool (≤ 25 °C), dry, well-ventilated area away from oxidizers and acids
Keep containers closed and grounded
Spill & Disposal
Absorb onto inert materials (e.g. sand, diatomite). Always collect in sealed containers
Do not discharge into drains, water canals or any other place
Incinerate in chemical incinerator with afterburner/scrubber
DMSO features a trigonal pyramidal geometry centered on the sulfur atom, with one lone pair of electrons. The sulfur–oxygen double bond (S=O) is highly polarized here in this. It gives the molecule strong dipolar characteristics (~3.96 D). Each methyl group stabilizes the molecule but does not detract from its solvating capabilities. This structure underpins DMSO’s efficacy as a polar & aprotic solvent capable of dissolving both ionic species as well as nonpolar organic compounds.
DMSO is commonly offered in:
100 mL amber glass bottles (lab/reagent grade)
500 mL and 1 L sizes
2.5 L, 5 L, and 20 L polycarb or HDPE carboys (industrial/technical grade)
Custom bulk packaging (55 gal drums, B-tanks) for bulk users
Smaller volumes feature higher-purity grades, while larger containers may contain technical-grade DMSO with lower certification requirements.
1. Chemical & Organic Manufacturing
o Swern oxidation (activated DMSO with oxalyl chloride/base) for mild alcohol→aldehyde/ketone conversion
o Reactions requiring inert & high bp polar medium
2. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
o PCR Enhancer: It diminishes secondary structures in GC rich templates (~5–10%)
o Cryoprotectant: Used at ~10% in freezing media to prevent cell damage
o Cell Differentiation Agent: Induces differentiation in P19 embryonic carcinoma cells
3. Pharmaceutical & Medical
o Off label use in interstitial cystitis through local delivery as well as under physician supervision
4. Analytical Chemistry
o NMR Solvent: DMSO d₆ is a deuterated variant (~84.17 g/mol) ideal for NMR
5. Industrial Usage
o Acts as solvent for coatings, cleaning agents as well as synthesis
o Penetration increaser in transdermal pharmaceuticals
Shakti Chemicals is a trusted supplier, trader, dealer, importer, and distributor in Mumbai, India of high-purity DMSO. Here's why:
• Quality Assurance: Analytical-grade DMSO ≥99.9% purity as well as certified with full trace documentation.
• Thorough Packaging: It offers lab sizes (100 mL–1 L) as well as bulk drums without compromising purity.
• Great Support: Our experts aid you with item selection, safe handling & also storage guidance.
• Global Supply Chain: Trusty importer or distributor guarantees uninterrupted supply across regions.
• Competitive Pricing: Leveraging economies of scale, we offer cost-effective answers for all usage levels.
• Regulatory Compliance: Full MSDS, COA as well as safety support to meet laboratory, industrial & also research standards.
1. Is DMSO safe when it comes in skin contact?
While relatively non-toxic, this compound readily penetrates skin. So we advice to wear gloves & avoid direct skin exposure.
2. Can DMSO carry dissolved toxins into the body?
Yes, it easily gives way to dissolved contaminants easily into systemic circulation. So, handle it with care.
3. What is the flash point of DMSO?
Flash point is approx 87–89 °C. This classifies it as a combustible liquid.
4. How should it be stored?
Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas, tightly sealed and away from oxidizers or acids .
5. Is DMSO mutagenic or carcinogenic?
Some animal studies show teratogenic effects, but human data are limited—exercise usual precautions.
6. What grades of DMSO are available?
Analytical ≥99.9%, reagent ≥99% as well as technical grade. Always choose based on purity demands.
7. Can DMSO be used in PCR?
Yes it can be used in PCR at 5–10% to prevent secondary structure formation in GC-rich DNA.
8. Is water allowable in DMSO storage?
Low (<0.05%) amounts acceptable in most grades. For moisture-sensitive applications, inert-gas storage is recommended.
9. How to neutralize spills?
Absorb with inert sorbents & also do not flush. Dispose via incineration per regulations.
10. What are common alternatives to DMSO?
Other polar aprotic solvents include DMF, NMP as well as sulfolane. But DMSO is often preferred for its lower toxicity profile & also cell-penetrative properties .
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a highly valuable solvent and reagent in scientific, industrial, and biomedical fields. With great solvent properties, biocompatibility as well as low volatility, it excels in functions ranging from PCR increase as well as cell storage to analytical applications & also synthetic chemistry. Safety-conscious handling is so important due to its combustible nature. It also has rapid skin absorption. As a reputed exporter in India, Shakti Chemicals delivers great quality DMSO is backed by certified quality, thorough packaging options as well as expert regulatory aid. This ensures reliable supply & also technical guidance for all your solvent needs.
Looking for high-quality Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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