Title: Dimethyl Sulfoxide
CAS Registry Number: 67-68-5
CAS Name: Sulfinylbismethane
Synonyms: methyl sulfoxide; DMSO
Manufacturers' Codes: SQ-9453
Trademarks: Deltan (Berna); Dolicur (Schering AG); Domoso (Syntex); Kemsol (Carter Horner); Rheumabene (Merckle); Rimso-50 (Britannia)
Molecular Formula: C2H6OS
Molecular Weight: 78.13
Percent Composition: C 30.75%, H 7.74%, O 20.48%, S 41.04%
Line Formula: (CH3)2SO
Literature References: Dipolar, aprotic solvent. Attributed with a wide range of bioactivities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cryoprotective properties. Prepn: A. Saytzeff,
Ann. 144, 148 (1867). Usually obtained as a by-product of paper manufacture: M. D. Robbins,
Chem. Eng. 68, 100 (June 26, 1961). Toxicity data: W. Bartsch
et al., Arzneim.-Forsch. 26, 1581 (1976). Review of properties and use in organic chemistry: D. Martin
et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 6, 318-334 (1967). Reviews of pharmacology and toxicology: S. W. Jacob, D. C. Wood,
Arzneim.-Forsch. 17, 1553-1560 (1967); N. A. David,
Annu. Rev. Pharmacol. 12, 353-374 (1972); of clinical experience:
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 411, entitled "Biological Actions and Medical Applications of Dimethyl Sulfoxide", J. C. de la Torre, Ed. (1983) 402 pp; B. N. Swanson,
Rev. Clin. Basic Pharmacol. 5, 1-33 (1985); of use in rheumatic disorders: J. M. Trice, R. S. Pinals,
Semin. Arthritis Rheum. 15, 45-60 (1985). Review of veterinary uses: C. F. Brayton,
Cornell Vet. 76, 61-90 (1986).
Properties: Very hygroscopic liquid. Practically no odor or color. Slightly bitter with sweet after-taste. d420 1.100. mp 18.55°. bp760 189°; bp16 79.83°; bp12 72.5°. Flash pt, open cup: 203°F (95°C).
nD20 1.4783. Viscosity (20°): 2.47 cP. Specific heat (25°): 0.4698 cal/g. Dielectric constant: 45. Sol in water, ethanol, acetone, ether, benzene, chloroform. LD50 orally in rats: 17.9 ml/kg (Bartsch).
Melting point: mp 18.55°
Boiling point: bp760 189°; bp16 79.83°; bp12 72.5°
Flash point: Flash pt, open cup: 203°F (95°C)
Index of refraction: nD20 1.4783
Density: d420 1.100
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rats: 17.9 ml/kg (Bartsch)
CAUTION: Rapidly absorbed through skin and mucous membranes; enhances dermal absorption of many other chemicals. Repeated topical application may result in mild, erythamatous, scaling dermatitis. Corneal opacities have been produced in exptl animals.
See Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin
et al., Eds. (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 5th ed., 1984) Section II, p 407.
Use: Solvent for many organic compds including fats, carbohydrates, dyes, resins, and polymers. In organic reactions. As antifreeze or hydraulic fluid when mixed with water. To cryopreserve and store cultured cells.
Therap-Cat: In treatment of interstitial cystitis and scleroderma.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Topically to reduce swelling due to trauma.
