Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with the CAS number 67-68-5, is an organosulfur compound known for its remarkable properties and diverse applications. Here are some of its key chemical characteristics:

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₆OS

• Molecular Weight: 78.13 g/mol

• Appearance: Colorless liquid

• Solubility: DMSO is highly soluble in water and most organic solvents, making it an excellent solvent for a wide range of substances.

• Boiling Point: 189°C (372°F)

• Melting Point: 18.5°C (65.3°F)

• Density: 1.1 g/cm³ at 20°C

• Polarity: DMSO is a polar aprotic solvent, which means it has a high dielectric constant and can dissolve many polar and nonpolar compounds.

Production Methods

The production of DMSO involves several steps, primarily starting from dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Here is an overview of the production process:

1. Oxidation of Dimethyl Sulfide: The primary industrial method for producing DMSO involves the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) using oxygen or nitrogen dioxide. This reaction produces dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone (DMSO₂) as by-products.
   

2. Purification: The crude DMSO obtained from the oxidation process is then purified through distillation and other refining processes to remove impurities and by-products, resulting in high-purity DMSO.

Applications

Dimethyl sulfoxide is renowned for its versatility and is used across various industries. Here are some of its prominent applications:

1. Pharmaceuticals:

• Drug Delivery: DMSO is widely used as a solvent and carrier for pharmaceuticals due to its ability to penetrate biological membranes, enhancing the absorption and efficacy of drugs.

• Cryopreservation: It is used as a cryoprotectant for preserving cells, tissues, and organs at low temperatures, ensuring their viability upon thawing.

2. Industrial Solvent:

• Chemical Reactions: DMSO serves as a solvent in a variety of chemical reactions, particularly in organic synthesis, due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.

• Cleaning Agent: It is utilized in industrial cleaning applications, especially for removing paint, varnish, and adhesives.

3. Biotechnology:

• Cell Culture: DMSO is used in cell culture applications to enhance cell permeability and facilitate the uptake of molecules into cells.

• PCR Enhancement: It can improve the efficiency of polymerase chain reactions (PCR) by stabilizing DNA and reducing secondary structures.

4. Personal Care Products:

• Topical Applications: DMSO is incorporated into topical creams and gels for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, providing relief for conditions like arthritis and muscle pain.

5. Agriculture:

• Pesticide Formulation: It is used in the formulation of pesticides and herbicides to enhance their solubility and effectiveness.

6. Electronics:

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: DMSO is utilized in the electronics industry for the fabrication of semiconductors. Its ability to dissolve a variety of materials makes it useful in the cleaning and preparation of semiconductor wafers.

• Photoresist Stripping: It is employed in the removal of photoresists, which are light-sensitive materials used in the lithography process during the manufacturing of electronic components.

Conclusion

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a multifaceted chemical compound with unique chemical characteristics and a wide range of applications across various industries. Its ability to act as a solvent, carrier, and cryoprotectant makes it an invaluable resource in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, industrial processes, electronics, and beyond. As research and development continue, the potential applications of DMSO are expected to expand, further solidifying its importance in modern science and industry.

Syntech Chemicals is a reliable supplier of high-quality Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). We welcome inquiries from potential customers and are committed to meeting your specific needs with our exceptional product, service and competitive pricing.