Sofia Martinez
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid with extensive solvent properties. It is used in several applications, including drug screening programs, cryopreservation, and in vitro assays. DMSO can dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds, and it is miscible with water and various organic solvents. Due to its ability to penetrate the skin, it is often used as a topical application to reduce acute swelling and inflammation. While DMSO is a strong solvent, it does not dissolve all plastics. For example, it slowly dissolves PET plastic but does not affect high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) containers and lids.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dissolves plastic roller ball | No, but it slowly dissolves PET plastic |
| Durability | Mixed opinions, some say it wears out over time |
| Ease of application | Positive reviews, convenient to use |
| Smell | Mixed opinions, some say it's unpleasant |
| Safety | Causes skin irritation, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing |
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What You'll Learn
DMSO is a strong solvent
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a strong solvent with the ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. It is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents and water. DMSO's high boiling point of 189 °C (372 °F) means it evaporates slowly at normal atmospheric pressure, making it ideal for maintaining stock solutions of test compounds. Its solubility in water also allows for easy removal through dilution and subsequent cryodesiccation.
DMSO is commonly used in in vitro drug discovery and high-throughput screening programs due to its ability to dissolve test compounds and maintain their stability. It is also employed as a co-solvent to enhance the absorption of compounds in in vivo studies. In organic synthesis, DMSO serves as a mild oxidant, forming the basis of several selective sulfonium-based oxidation reactions.
The solvent properties of DMSO extend to its ability to dissolve certain plastics, such as PET, albeit slowly. This property has implications for the storage of DMSO, with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) containers recommended for compatibility. DMSO's solubility with various materials, including some plastics, underscores its strength as a solvent.
Additionally, DMSO is a potent antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that contribute to disease and aging. It enhances the stability and activity of medications, prolonging their therapeutic efficacy. DMSO's ability to penetrate the skin and carry substances through membranes makes it a valuable topical application for reducing acute swelling and inflammation. However, caution is advised as DMSO may cause skin irritation and has potential health hazards associated with it.
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DMSO is safe to store in certain plastics
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is widely used as a solvent. It is used to dissolve test compounds in drug discovery and design screening programs. DMSO is also used in organic synthesis as a mild oxidant. It is compatible with plastics like PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP. However, it is not compatible with other plastics such as PVC, PS, and polycarbonate due to its reactivity. It is important to choose the right container for storing DMSO to maintain its potency and shelf life. While both glass and BPA-free plastic are viable options, it is crucial to understand their differences to make an informed decision.
DMSO has a high boiling point of 189°C (372°F), which makes it difficult to recover samples dissolved in it using conventional rotary evaporation. It also has a relatively high freezing point of 18.5°C (65.3°F), which means that at or just below room temperature, it is a solid. DMSO is metabolised to compounds that leave a garlic-like taste in the mouth after it is absorbed by the skin. It easily penetrates the skin, so substances dissolved in DMSO may be quickly absorbed.
When storing DMSO, it is recommended to use air-tight bottles as it is highly hygroscopic. Some people prefer to store it in its original bottle at room temperature and take the required amount from the bottle as needed. This helps minimise contamination and maintain the original properties of DMSO.
In summary, DMSO is safe to store in certain plastics, such as PETE, HDPE, LDPE, PTFE, and PP. However, it is not compatible with all plastics, and it is important to choose the right container for storage to maintain the potency and shelf life of the DMSO.
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DMSO is used in drug discovery
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is an important polar aprotic solvent. It is able to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water. DMSO has a high boiling point, which makes it useful in drug discovery.
DMSO is also used as a vehicle in in vivo studies of test compounds. For example, it has been used as a co-solvent to assist in the absorption of the flavonol glycoside Icariin in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. DMSO's ability to dissolve a wide range of analytes makes it a useful solvent for NMR spectroscopy.
In medicine, DMSO is used as a topical analgesic, a vehicle for topical application of pharmaceuticals, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant. DMSO's ability to penetrate the skin and other membranes without damaging them makes it useful for transdermal drug delivery systems. It is also used in dermatology as an effective vehicle to enhance percutaneous penetration when used in combination with other substances.
While DMSO has shown potential benefits in inhibiting cancer cells, it has also been shown to interfere with a variety of chemotherapy drugs. It is important to note that DMSO should not be used without medical supervision due to possible interactions with other common medications and the lack of definitive research into its benefits.
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DMSO has a high boiling point
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is an organosulfur compound. It is widely used commercially and is an important polar aprotic solvent. DMSO has a high boiling point of 189 °C (372 °F). Due to this high boiling point, it evaporates slowly at normal atmospheric pressure. This makes it difficult to recover samples dissolved in DMSO through conventional rotary evaporation.
The high boiling point of DMSO is advantageous in certain applications. For instance, in drug discovery and drug design screening programs, DMSO is used to dissolve test compounds. The high boiling point improves the accuracy of test compound concentrations by reducing room-temperature evaporation.
DMSO's high boiling point also makes it useful in NMR spectroscopy, as it can dissolve a wide range of analytes and is suitable for high-temperature studies.
Additionally, DMSO's stability at temperatures below 150 °C is notable. For example, holding DMSO at 150 °C for 24 hours would result in a loss of only between 0.1% and 1.0%.
In summary, DMSO's high boiling point of 189 °C is a key property that influences its applications and behaviour. This relatively high boiling point distinguishes it from other solvents and impacts its evaporation rate, sample recovery, and accuracy in various scientific and industrial contexts.
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DMSO easily penetrates the skin
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colourless liquid that is an important polar aprotic solvent. It is often used as an alternative treatment for pain and inflammation. It is also used in organic synthesis as a mild oxidant.
DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin. Its high level of skin penetration means that substances dissolved in DMSO may be quickly absorbed. It is often used to increase the body's absorption of other medications. It is available without a prescription, most commonly in gel or cream form, and can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and online.
DMSO is also used in pharmaceutical-grade roll-on bottles for convenient application. The rollerball makes it easy to apply the product without creating a mess. However, some customers have reported that the roller wears out over time and begins to leak.
When using DMSO, it is important to select appropriate gloves. Butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, neoprene, or thick (15 mil / 0.4 mm) latex gloves are recommended. Nitrile gloves, which are commonly used in chemical laboratories, do not provide adequate protection against DMSO.
DMSO has a relatively high boiling point of 189 °C (372 °F) and a high freezing point of 18.5 °C (65.3 °F). This means that it evaporates slowly at normal atmospheric pressure, and it is a solid at or just below room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
DMSO is a strong solvent that can dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. While it does not dissolve all types of plastic, it can slowly dissolve PET plastic. DMSO is compatible with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) containers and lids, which are commonly used for storing the solvent.
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is used in various applications due to its extensive solvent properties. It is commonly employed as an extraction solvent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a cryoprotective agent to protect frozen tissue. DMSO is also used in drug discovery and design screening programs, as it can dissolve test compounds and improve their accuracy by reducing evaporation at room temperature.
With prolonged exposure, DMSO can slowly dissolve certain types of plastics, such as PET. However, other plastics like HDPE and PP are compatible with DMSO and are commonly used for storing the solvent.
Yes, DMSO has strong solvent and skin-penetrating properties, so it is important to avoid direct contact with the skin, eyes, and clothing. It is recommended to use appropriate gloves, such as butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, neoprene, or thick latex gloves, when handling DMSO to prevent skin irritation and ensure safety.
