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Key Documents

D1435

Sigma-Aldrich

Dimethyl sulfoxide

meets EP testing specifications, meets USP testing specifications

Synonym(s):

DMSO

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About This Item

Linear Formula:
(CH3)2SO
CAS Number:
Molecular Weight:
78.13
Beilstein:
506008
EC Number:
MDL number:
UNSPSC Code:
12191502
PubChem Substance ID:
NACRES:
NA.71

Agency

meets EP testing specifications
meets USP testing specifications

Quality Level

vapor density

2.7 (vs air)

vapor pressure

0.42 mmHg ( 20 °C)

Assay

≥99.5%

form

liquid

autoignition temp.

573 °F

expl. lim.

42 %, 63 °F

technique(s)

cryopreservation: suitable

impurities

≤0.1% water (Karl Fischer, USP)
≤0.2% water (Karl Fischer, EP)

color

colorless

refractive index

n20/D 1.478-1.479
n20/D 1.479 (lit.)

bp

189 °C (lit.)

mp

16-19 °C (lit.)

solubility

H2O: miscible (completely)

density

1.100-1.104 g/mL at 25 °C (relative density (EP))
1.10 g/mL (lit.)

UV absorption

λ: 285 nm Amax: ≤0.20
λ: 295 nm Amax: ≤0.20

SMILES string

CS(C)=O

InChI

1S/C2H6OS/c1-4(2)3/h1-2H3

InChI key

IAZDPXIOMUYVGZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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Application

Dimethyl sulfoxide has been used:
  • for the dissolution of tetramethylrhodamine dye, which is used as fluorophore for fluorescence in- situ hybridization (FISH) experiments
  • as a control in indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) of swine testicular (ST) cells
  • for the suspension and separation of buccal cells
  • a polar aprotic solvent used in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and as a cryoprotectant vitrification agent for the preservation of cells, tissues and organs.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a low molecular weight, less hydrophilic and a freely permeable cryoprotectant. It is a polar aprotic solvent used in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and as a cryoprotectant and vitrification agent for the preservation of cells, tissues and organs.

Caution

Supercools easily and remelts slowly at room temperature. Solidified product can be re-liquified by warming to room temperature without detriment to the product.

Other Notes

For information on dimethyl sulfoxide miscibility, please visit the following link:
Dimethyl Sulfoxide Miscibility/Immiscibility Table

Storage Class Code

10 - Combustible liquids

WGK

WGK 1

Flash Point(F)

188.6 °F - closed cup

Flash Point(C)

87 °C - closed cup

Personal Protective Equipment

dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves

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Comparison of the effects of different cryoprotectants on stem cells from umbilical cord blood
Chen G, et al.
Stem Cells International, 2016 (2016)
Identification of anti-viral activity of the cardenolides, Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors, against porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus
Yang CW, et al.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 332, 129-137 (2017)
Buccal micronucleus cytome assay: results of an intra-and inter-laboratory scoring comparison
Bolognesi C, et al.
Mutagenesis, 30(4), 545-555 (2015)
Low dose dimethyl sulfoxide driven gross molecular changes have the potential to interfere with various cellular processes
Tunccer S, et al.
Scientific reports, 8(1), 14828-14828 (2018)
Single-molecule mRNA detection and counting in mammalian tissue
Lyubimova A, et al.
Nature Protocols, 8(9), 1743-1743 (2013)

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