Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) info by Chemical Man

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO. This colorless liquid is an important polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water. It has a relatively high melting point. DMSO has the unusual property that many individuals perceive a garlic-like taste in the mouth after contact with the skin.

What is DMSO good for?

DMSO is used topically to decrease pain and speed the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries. DMSO is also used topically to treat painful conditions such as a headache, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux.

What is DMSO used for in organic chemistry?

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO. This colorless liquid is an important polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water. It has a relatively high melting point.

What does DMSO do in PCR?

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organosulfur compound with a high polarity and high dielectric constant, that is used in PCR to disrupt secondary structure formation in the DNA template. ... The purpose of our study is to investigate whether the presence of DMSO has an effect on PCR fidelity.

Why is DMSO used as Cryoprotectant?

Ice crystals take up more room than the liquid water they formed from. Single water crystals can grow quite large, especially as smaller crystals merge. ... DMSO is used for this purpose instead of other water-miscible liquids such as ethanol because it has very low toxicity.

Can DMSO cause cancer?

There is no evidence that DMSO can treat cancer in humans. DMSO is a widely used chemical solvent. It is rapidly absorbed when applied to the skin and has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. However, there are concerns of adverse effects including damage to the nerves.

How is DMSO used on horses?

In horses, DMSO is applied as a topical gel or administered in liquid form intravenously or through a nasogastric tube. ... DMSO gel is sometimes applied topically to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with strained muscles and soft tissue injuries.

What is dimethyl sulfide used for?

DMS is also used in a range of organic syntheses, including as a reducing agent in ozonolysis reactions. It also has a use as a food flavoring component. It can also be oxidized to dimethyl sulfoxide, (DMSO), which is an important industrial solvent.