Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a sulfur-containing organic compound, colorless odorless transparent liquid at room temperature, and a hygroscopic flammable liquid. With high polarity, high boiling point, good thermal stability, aprotic, and water miscible characteristics, can dissolve in ethanol, propanol, benzene and chloroform and other most organic matter, known as “universal solvent”.
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a polar solvent with excellent solubility. DMSO can dissolve a variety of organic and inorganic compounds at room temperature, such as chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, etc., and can also dissolve some polymer compounds.
The solubility of DMSO is affected by many factors, including temperature, solvent purity, solute type and concentration. At room temperature, the organic matter dissolved by DMSO is usually in the range of 0.1 ~10g/100mL, while the inorganic salt solubility is low.
The solubility of DMSO is also related to the pH value of the solution. When the pH value is low, the solubility of DMSO will be reduced, and when the pH value is high, the solubility of DMSO will be increased.
It should be noted that DMSO may have toxic effects on biological systems at high concentrations, so it is necessary to exercise caution when using DMSO and comply with relevant safety regulations.
The solution concentration of of DMSO ( DSO) is a key parameter. has a wide range of applications, including as a cryoprotectant, as a solvent and in some chemical experiments. The physical properties of DMSO include a melting point of 18.4℃, a boiling point of of 189℃, a density of of 1.100 kg/m³, and almost odorless, has a slightly bitter taste. It is a colorless viscous transparent oily liquid or crystal having a weak basic character. DMSO solubility is very good, can be dissolved in water, ethanol, acetone, benzene and so on.
The concentration of DMSO has a direct effect on cell survival and toxicity during cell culture and freezing. For example, DMSO is commonly used in a 10% concentration during cell freezing, as a cryoprotectant to prevent the formation of intracellular/extracellular crystals. For most cell lines, 0.5% DMSO concentration is considered safe, while higher concentrations of DMSO ( such as 5%) although can be applied to some cells, is usually not recommended, because it may have toxic effects on cells. For practical use, the final concentration of DMSO should be kept below 0.5%, despite being 200 times more soluble in 100% DMSO when stored.
DMSO is also used as a stable solvent for the synthesis of organic polymers its weak alkalinity and good solubility make it a versatile chemical reagent.
