D

Dimethyl sulfoxide

IUPAC: methylsulfinylmethane

C2H6OS Organic Compounds CAS 67-68-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H6OS
CAS Number67-68-5
Molecular Weight78.14
Melting Point65.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point372 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.101 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDimethyl sulfoxide appears as a clear liquid, essentially odorless. Closed cup flash point 192 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. Contact with the skin may cause stinging and burning and lead to an ...
Also Known Asmethylsulfinylmethane; 67-68-5; DMSO; Methylsulfinylmethane; Methyl sulfoxide; Dimethyl sulphoxide; Dimethylsulfoxide; Demasorb; Domoso; sulfinylbismethane
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Dimethyl sulfoxide?

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a 2-carbon sulfoxide in which the sulfur atom has two methyl substituents. It has a role as a geroprotector, an alkylating agent, a non-narcotic analgesic, a MRI contrast agent, a polar aprotic solvent, a radical scavenger, an antidote and an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound and a sulfoxide.

Formula & Notation

C2H6OS

IUPAC Name: methylsulfinylmethane

Other Names / Synonyms: methylsulfinylmethane; 67-68-5; DMSO; Methylsulfinylmethane; Methyl sulfoxide; Dimethyl sulphoxide; Dimethylsulfoxide; Demasorb; Domoso; sulfinylbismethane

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Dimethyl sulfoxide appears as a clear liquid, essentially odorless. Closed cup flash point 192 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. Contact with the skin may cause stinging and burning and lead to an .... Molecular formula: C2H6OS. Molecular weight: 78.14 g/mol. Boiling point: 372 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 65.3 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.101 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.42 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point65.3 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point372 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.101 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight78.14
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceDimethyl sulfoxide appears as a clear liquid, essentially odorless. Closed cup flash point 192 °F. Vapors are heavier than air. Contact with the skin may cause stinging and burning and lead to an ...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Dimethyl sulfoxide
Formula C2H6OS
CAS Number 67-68-5
Molecular Weight 78.14
Synonyms methylsulfinylmethane; 67-68-5; DMSO; Methylsulfinylmethane; Methyl sulfoxide; Dimethyl sulphoxide; Dimethylsulfoxide; Demasorb; Domoso; sulfinylbismethane

Frequently Asked Questions

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a 2-carbon sulfoxide in which the sulfur atom has two methyl substituents. It has a role as a geroprotector, an alkylating agent, a non-narcotic analgesic, a MRI contrast agent, a polar aprotic solvent, a radical scavenger, an antidote and an Escherichia coli metabolite. It is a volatile organic compound and a sulfoxide.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.