DS

Product code RXSOL-19-3070-210

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a low molecular weight, organosulfur compound that is produced industrially, while also being commonly found in nature.

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), also known as methylthiomethane, is an organosulfur compound. It is a methyl sulfide, in which the sulfur atom is substituted by two methyl groups, with the chemical formula of (CH3)2S. It is a highly flammable straw-colored liquid, with a boiling point of 37 degrees Celsius, or 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a compound that is easily recognized by its foul odor, that is often described as “cabbage like”. Unlike many other organosulfur compounds, this disagreeable odor is present in even low concentrations of DMS. Dimethyl sulfide is the product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) breakdown, and is also the result of bacterial metabolism of methanethiol.

Application

DMS is used to create surfactants, fabric softeners, water treatment chemicals, agricultural chemicals, drugs, and dyes. As a methylating agent, DMS can introduce a methyl group to oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, phosphorous, and some metals.

While DMS is most often used as a methylating agent, it can sometimes be utilized in other contexts including in sulfonation, as a catalyst, as a solvent, and as a stabilizer.

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.