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Name: Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Chemical Formula: C2H6OS
Synonyms: Methyl sulfoxide, DMSO
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild, sulfurous odor
Common Uses: Industrial solvent, cryoprotectant in biological research, penetrant in pharmaceuticals
CAS Number: 67-68-5
Classification: Combustible liquid, mild irritant
Main Hazards: Skin absorbs DMSO very quickly, carrying other chemicals with it. Eye and respiratory irritation can happen from short-term exposure. Skin may feel warm or tingly. Extended exposure causes dryness and redness.
Chronic Exposure: Prolonged contact can lead to headaches, dizziness, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.
Signal Words: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark for irritation
Main Component: Dimethyl Sulfoxide (purity >99%)
Impurities: Usually present in trace amounts; actual mix will depend on source and method of purification.
Additives: None usually added for laboratory or industrial solvent use.
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. Rest and monitor for breathing discomfort.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water right away.
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for several minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Drink water to dilute; do not induce vomiting. Medical attention may be necessary in the case of large amounts.
Flammability: Can catch fire at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray, or alcohol-resistant foam.
Special Hazards: Burning generates toxic gases like sulfur oxides.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhalation of fumes.
Fire Precautions: Cool exposed containers with water to prevent rupture.
Personal Protection: Use gloves and eye protection. Good ventilation helps limit vapor build-up.
Cleanup: Absorb liquid with inert material such as sand or earth. Collect for safe disposal.
Environmental Caution: Avoid letting large amounts enter drains or waterways.
Spill Response: Wash surfaces with plenty of water after cleanup.
Handling: Wear gloves that resist permeation and splash-proof goggles. Keep containers tightly sealed and labeled.
Safe Practices: Use in well-ventilated spaces. Wash hands thoroughly after use. Keep away from open flames and extra heat.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and oxidizing agents. Avoid freezing.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, certain plastics, and rubber can degrade.
Exposure Limits: No formal OSHA PEL has been established, but limiting contact is wise.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods or local exhaust systems reduce airborne vapors.
Personal Protection: Gloves made of butyl rubber or nitrile resist DMSO better than latex. Eye protection is important, and lab coats stop direct skin contact. When handling large volumes, splash protection and possibly respirators are needed.
Hygiene: Changing contaminated clothes and washing hands reduce risk of absorption.
Appearance: Clear liquid
Odor: Mild, garlic-like
Boiling Point: Around 189°C
Melting Point: Around 18.5°C
Flash Point: About 87°C (closed cup)
Solubility: Mixes fully with water and many other solvents
Density: Around 1.1 g/cm³ at room temperature
Stability: Stable under normal handling and storage.
Reactivity: Mixes with water, alcohols, and many organics. Reacts dangerously with strong oxidizers, causing heat or even explosions.
Hazardous Decomposition: Sulfur oxides form during fire or high-temperature breakdown.
Routes of Exposure: Absorption through skin, inhalation, ingestion
Acute Effects: Redness and warmth on skin, headache or dizziness from vapors, mild irritation to eyes
Chronic Effects: Potential impacts on the liver and kidneys from persistent, high-level exposure
Carcinogenicity: Studies in animals do not show cancer, and health agencies do not classify DMSO as carcinogenic.
Other Risks: DMSO can carry dissolved chemicals rapidly through skin, so contamination with other hazardous materials increases risks.
Aquatic Risk: Breaks down rapidly in the environment. Low toxicity to aquatic life in typical concentrations, but high releases may disrupt aquatic systems.
Persistence: Biodegrades easily.
Bioaccumulation: Not expected in living organisms.
Soil and Water Mobility: Spreads quickly if spilled, so limiting release protects sensitive sites.
Waste Procedures: Collect and dispose of as hazardous waste using a licensed contractor. Do not pour into regular drains or onto soil.
Container Disposal: Containers need thorough cleaning; secure and remove according to regulations.
Recycling: Some facilities recover DMSO for re-use, but assess for contamination.
UN Number: Classifies under category for substances with minor environmental hazard.
Packing Instructions: Use leak-proof containers designed for liquids. Secure cargo to prevent tipping or breakage.
Regulatory Precautions: Supply standard labeling for combustible and irritant materials during shipment. Comply with local and international transport rules.
Labelling Requirements: Mark containers clearly with hazard warnings under recognized health and safety laws.
Guidance: Follow general chemical safety laws and local, state, or national handling limits.
Reporting Obligations: Notify authorities of any significant spill or accident involving large amounts.
