Physics Wallah

Full Form of DMSO, Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

authorImageGirijesh Singh1 Nov, 2023
Share

Share

DMSO

The full form of DMSO is Dimethyl Sulfoxide.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a common solvent that is miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is known by a variety of names, including methyl sulfoxide, sulfonylbismethane, and a slew of commercial names.

The wood industry produces dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Because of its low cost, stability, and low toxicity, it is frequently employed as a solvent in organic synthesis in the pharmaceutical sector. 

This article covers recent research on the application of this versatile reagent in organic synthesis. It goes through the names of the reactions connected with DMSO, as well as DMSO as a reagent and as a multifunctional catalyst/reagent in self-sorting reaction systems. 

It also covers mechanistic factors as well as information on probable reaction routes. There are two types of DMSO reactions: activated DMSO-mediated dehydrogenation oxidations, such as the Swern, Parikh, Doering, and Pfitzner Moffatt oxidations, and oxygen-adding oxidations, such as the Kornblum oxidation, in which DMSO functions as an oxygen source.

About Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a byproduct of the paper manufacturing process. It is derived from a natural component present in wood.

Since the mid-1800s, DMSO has been utilized as an industrial solvent. Researchers have been investigating its application as an anti-inflammatory agent since the mid-twentieth century.

DMSO has been licensed by the FDA as a prescription drug to treat the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. It's also used to treat a variety of other illnesses, including shingles, when administered under physician supervision.

The skin readily absorbs DMSO. It is occasionally used to improve the absorption of other drugs by the body.

DMSO is often accessible without a prescription in the form of a gel or lotion. It is available at health food stores, through mail order, and on the Internet.

While it is sometimes available as an oral supplement, its safety is unknown. DMSO is most often applied to the skin.

It has the formula (CH3)2SO for an organosulfur chemical. It is a colorless liquid that can dissolve both polar and nonpolar molecules since it is a polar aprotic solvent. 

It is commonly accessible as a prescription medication. It can be applied to the skin, consumed orally, or even injected into the veins. It is derived from a chemical present in wood. It is produced as a byproduct of the papermaking process.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a colorless liquid produced as a byproduct of the papermaking process from wood pulp. This colorless liquid found instant use as a polar, aprotic solvent miscible with water and capable of evaporating a vast array of polar and nonpolar tiny molecules. 

Dimethyl sulfoxide is now used sparingly in dermatology, but considering its helpful features as a penetration-enhancing solvent excipient and active anti-inflammatory pharmacological drug, it has the potential to be utilized considerably more widely.

Modern organic synthesis necessitates the use of simple solvents and oxidants, and DMSO can be employed to provide oxygen, sulphur, or one-carbon units.

DMSO was initially produced in Kazan, Russia, by Russian chemist Alexander Saytzeff. Because of its high dielectric constant, it offers excellent solvent characteristics for both organic and inorganic compounds. Because it is very hygroscopic, it should be stored in glass containers to protect it from light and moisture.

C2H6OS Dimethyl sulfoxide
Density 1.1 g/cm³
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 78.13 g/mol
Boiling Point 189 °C
Melting Point 19 °C
Chemical Formula ((CH)3)2SO

Production of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

Physical Properties of Dimethyl sulfoxide – C2H6OS

Odour Cabbage-like
Appearance Colorless liquid
Complexity 29
Specific Gravity 1.101 at 20oC
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor 2
Solubility Miscible in organic solvents as well as water.

Chemical Properties of Dimethyl sulfoxide – C2H6OS

It is manufactured industrially from dimethyl sulphide, a byproduct of the Kraft process. It is produced in the atmosphere at a rate of 20-60 billion pounds each year. 

It can also be found in soil and natural water. Its metabolism (by microorganisms) in soil aids in the creation of sulphur and dimethyl sulphide.

Reactions of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

The DMSO sulphur core behaves as a nucleophile towards mild electrophiles and as a nucleophile towards hard electrophiles. Its interaction with methyl iodide is depicted as follows:

((CH)3)2SO +(CH)3I [((CH)3)3SO]I

It is also employed in Swern oxidation, which involves the oxidation of primary or secondary alcohol to aldehyde in the presence of DMSO. During the deprotonation of ketones, phosphonium salts, and formamidinium salts, it serves as a base.

Uses of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

DMSO is used to alleviate the discomfort of osteoarthritis. It can also be utilized as a cancer therapy option. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, which are listed below:

  • Issues with the eyes
  • Scars
  • Headache
  • Arthritis rheumatoid

DMSO has been utilised in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain. It's also being marketed as a "alternative" cancer therapy. It has been used to treat wounds, burns, and other ailments. It has also been used to treat disorders such as:

Scleroderma (disease that causes scar tissue to grow in the skin) (disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin). Aside from its usage as a prescription drug, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims regarding DMSO's efficacy.

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO in cancer treatment. Using it in this manner might result in significant delays in receiving suitable and effective therapy.

According to the American Cancer Society, there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO in cancer treatment. Using it in this manner might result in significant delays in receiving suitable and effective therapy.

A recent review of trials on the use of DMSO to treat osteoarthritis pain discovered that it was no more effective than a placebo in alleviating joint pain.

There have been no studies that give guidance for establishing the appropriate DMSO dosage. The gel used to treat osteoarthritis is generally 25% concentrated. 

It is used three to four times each day. However, the concentration of DMSO marketed without a prescription can range from 10% to 90%.

Risks of Using DMSO

Some of the DMSO on the market may be of industrial grade. Industrial grade DMSO may include a number of contaminants that are easily absorbed via the skin and can have major health consequences.

The following are the most common side effects of using DMSO on the skin:

  • Stomach upset
  • Skin irritation
  • Strong odor of garlic

The following are more significant adverse effects:

  • Allergic responses that are severe
  • Headaches
  • When administered to the skin, DMSO can induce itching and burning. When used in high doses, it can potentially be fatal.

Taking DMSO by mouth can result in:

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite

DMSO may boost the potency of several medications, potentially causing major health problems. These are some examples of such medicines:

  • Blood thinners
  • Steroids
  • Sedatives

The most serious issue with DMSO as a solvent is that it absorbs anything that comes into contact with it. So, before using, thoroughly cleanse your hands and skin.

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid using DMSO since little is known about its potential effects on the fetus or newborn.

You should also avoid using DMSO if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Liver and kidney conditions

Remember that supplements are not controlled by the FDA in the same way that medicines are. Before marketing a supplement, the producer is not required to verify its safety or effectiveness.

[wp-faq-schema title=" Full Form of DMSO FAQs" accordion=1]

Is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) a polar solvent?

Dimethyl sulfoxide is a polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar molecules and is miscible with a variety of chemical solvents including water. DMSO can also be employed as a cryoprotectant, reducing ice formation and thereby preventing cell death during the freezing process.

Why is DMSO used as a solvent rather than water?

It lacks highly positive hydrogens capable of participating in hydrogen bonding. That is, unlike water, one DMSO molecule cannot hydrogen bind to another DMSO molecule. As a result, unlike water, it cannot contribute hydrogen bonds to anions.

Is it possible for bacteria to grow in DMSO?

Six bottles of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) contained viable bacteria at a concentration of around one bacterium per 4.4 mL. The DMSO appears to be tolerated rather than metabolized by the 18 bacterial isolates. There were no fungi found.

Does DMSO cause DNA damage?

Because DSBs are one of the most common kinds of DNA damage, and our studies showed that DMSO could reduce both physically and chemically caused DSBs, DMSO should be particularly successful in shielding DNA molecules from DSBs.

What is the effect of DMSO on the brain?

DMSO decreases edema in the brain and minimizes oxidative stress, improving blood supply. Swelling in human brains treated with DMSO immediately after a head injury was decreased in as little as five minutes. Clinical research has indicated that individuals with TBI treated with DMSO had considerably longer life rates.

Does DMSO harm the liver?

When delivered before or concurrently with the toxicants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can protect the liver against harm caused by a number of hepatotoxicants. Previously, this beneficial activity was attributed to DMSO-induced prevention of bioactivation of the chemicals to hazardous intermediates.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.