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.
IUPAC: methylsulfinylmethane
PubChem
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 65.3 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Boiling Point | 372 °F at 760 mmHg (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) |
| Flash Point | 203 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.42 mmHg at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| 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 odor of garlic on the breath. An excellent solvent that can transport toxic solutes through the skin. High vapor concentrations may cause headache, dizziness, and sedation. |
Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026
GHS Classification
No GHS classification data available.
Classification data is sourced from ECHA.
Regulatory Compliance
Listed
note: Status based on EPA TSCA Active Inventory · inventory name: TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory
View sourceGlobal Trade Intelligence
No trade flow data available for this chemical.
HS Code(s): 2930
Data: UN Comtrade
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