Dimethyl sulfoxide
Description
Dimethyl sulfoxide (CAS 67-68-5), commonly known as DMSO, is a high-purity polar aprotic solvent used across pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and food applications.
It is also marketed under the trade name Syntexan in certain therapeutic and veterinary contexts. Its primary commercial value lies in its ability to dissolve a broad range of compounds.
The solvent enhances membrane permeability, which is a critical factor in drug delivery and cell biology workflows. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it functions as a reaction solvent and crystallization medium.
Biotech and life sciences operations rely on it for cryopreservation of cell lines and as a carrier solvent in compound libraries. It is also approved as a flavoring agent (FEMA 3875).
In food and beverage formulations, it provides a mild, slightly sulfurous note. It also serves as a penetration enhancer in topical drug formulations, improving the transdermal delivery of active compounds.
DMSO is supplied as a colorless liquid in bulk drums, IBCs, and smaller laboratory packaging. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available to USP and Ph. Eur. specifications.
Technical-grade product supports industrial solvent applications, while food-grade supply aligned with FEMA-recognized use is also commercially available from qualified suppliers for various industries.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 18.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 189 °C |
| Density | 1.100 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 192 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid |
| Color | clear colorless |
| Odor | Mild garlic odor |
| Form | liquid (temperature dependent) |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water, methanol, acetone, ether, benzene, chloroform. |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.42 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.479(lit.) |
| Log P | -1.35 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29309070 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 10 - Combustible liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
Syntexan|sulfinylbis(methane)|S(O)Me2|Rimso-50|Domoso|DMSO|dimetil sulfoxido
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