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AAT Bioquest

What is the structure of DMSO?

Posted January 18, 2023


Answer

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a 2-carbon sulfoxide with the chemical formula (CH3)2SO. It is a highly polar organic liquid that is used as a chemical solvent, a radical scavenger, an MRI contrast agent, an antidote or as an alkylating agent. DMSO dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and its sulfur atom has 2 methyl substituents attached to it. Additionally, DMSO is miscible in water, and has a boiling point of 189 degrees Celsius, and a melting point of 19 degrees Celsius. The IR spectrum of DMSO shows an absorption peak of 1050 cm (which derives from its sulfur-oxygen bond). 

Additional resources

Dimethyl Sulfoxide