Dimethyl sulfoxide
Agent Name
Dimethyl sulfoxide
CAS Number
67-68-5
Formula
C2-H6-O-S
Major Category
Solvents
Synonyms
DMS-70; DMS-90; DMSO; Deltan; Demasorb; Demavet; Demeso; Demsodrox; Dermasorb; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Dimethyl sulphoxide; Dimethyli sulfoxidum [INN-Latin]; Dimethylsulfoxide; Dimethylsulfoxyde [INN-French]; Dimetil sulfoxido [INN-Spanish]; Dimetilsolfossido [DCIT]; Dimexide; Dipirartril-tropico; Dolicur; Doligur; Domoso; Domoso (Veterinary); Dromisol; Durasorb; Gamasol 90; HSDB 80; Hyadur; Infiltrina; M 176; Methane, sulfinylbis-; Methyl sulfoxide; Methylsulfinylmethane; Rimso-5; Rimso-50; SQ 9453; Somipront; Sulfinylbis(methane); Syntexan; Topsym; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Other Solvents
Description
Colorless liquid that is odorless or has a slight odor of sulfur, garlic, or oysters; [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Used as a pharmaceutical, a solvent for polymerization and chemical extractions, a paint remover, a preservative for organ transplantation; Occurs naturally in ground water and in grains, vegetables, and many other foods; [CHEMINFO] Used as a solvent for many organic compounds; Also used in industrial cleaners; [HSDB]
Comments
A skin and eye irritant; May cause CNS depression after inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption of high doses; Long term use may cause adverse effects to the liver and blood; [ICSC] Rats experienced "no significant effects" after inhalation of 200 mg/m3 (62.8 ppm) for 30 days. After skin absorption, humans may experience garlic odor on the breath, headache, nausea, and dizziness. DMSO enhances the absorption of other drugs. [CHEMINFO] Health effects after inhalation of high concentrations may include headache, dizziness, and sedation. [CAMEO] "Dermal doses as high as 1 g/kg per day have been shown to have no significant adverse clinical effects in well-controlled human studies." [AIHA]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
MAK
50 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.61 mm Hg
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (rat) >1600 mg/m3 (aerosol)/4 hr; [CHEMINFO]
Explanatory Notes
MP= 65 degrees F; BP = 372 degrees F; VP from ChemIDplus;
NFPA
high ambient temp required
WEEL
250 ppm
Adverse Effects
Neurotoxin
Acute solvent syndrome
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: