Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dimethyl Sulfoxide – Formula: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless liquid that is soluble in both water and polar organic solvents. It has a slightly unpleasant odor and a slightly sweet taste. DMSO is used as a solvent and as a cryoprotectant.

Structure of Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Structure of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organic sulfoxide compound with the formula (CH3)2SO. This colorless liquid is an important polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and is also miscible in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water.

 

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Properties

• Dimethyl sulfoxide is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water and has a slightly sulfur-like odor.
• However it is miscible with most organic solvents. Dimethyl sulfoxide is a polar molecule with a dipole moment of 1.87 debye.
• The dipole moment is a measure of the molecule’s polarity, or the extent to which the electron distribution is uneven.
• This polarity makes dimethyl sulfoxide a good solvent for ionic compounds and polar molecules.

Synthesis of Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Dimethyl sulfoxide a chemical compound in the class of organic compounds known as sulfoxides. It is a pharmaceutical solvent and was once used as an anesthetic. Also has analgesic and antipyretic effects. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a faint odor. Therefore it is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Has a molecular weight of 78.13 g/mol, a boiling point of 189 °C, a melting point of 18 °C, and a density of 1.097 g/cm3.

Uses

• Dimethyl sulfoxide a polar solvent and used as a reaction medium in many organic reactions.
• Also used as a solvent for inks, dyes, paints, and adhesives.
• It is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, plastics, and textiles.
• Used as an antifreeze, a deicing agent, and also hydraulic fluid.
• It used in the food industry as a food additive.
• Used in medicine as a topical application for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
• It used in veterinary medicine as an antiseptic.
• Dimethyl sulfoxide is a potential environmental hazard.
• It toxic to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.