First synthesized in 1866 by Alexander Zaytsev in the Russian Empire, dimethyl sulfoxide is an organosulfur compound. 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.

Uses

Dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) has excellent solvent properties and acts as a skin penetration enhancer for drugs and other substances by increasing the permeability of the barrier layer of the skin. It is used in the topical administration of drugs, the production of synthetic fibers, the application of pesticides, as an antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, and in the manufacturing of industrial cleaners and paint strippers. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and the ability to quench free radicals have been used by physicians and others for various therapeutic purposes.

Environmental Fate

DMSO is naturally released in the environment, primarily by the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide that is biologically produced in soil, water, and vegetation. It is produced by phytoplankton, and may be released during its production, transport, disposal, and use as a solvent, medicinal analgesic, and other uses.
If released in water, it should disproportionate to dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfone, and may be reduced by reducing agents that may occur in natural waters. In soil, DMSO is rapidly reduced to dimethyl sulfide. In the atmosphere, DMSO will exist primarily in the vapor phase, and will react with photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals with a half-life of w7 h. It also may be released during its production, transport, disposal, and use as a solvent and medical analgesic.

A bioconcentration factor (BCF) of <1 was observed for dimethyl sulfoxide, using orange-red killifish (Oryzias latipes) which were exposed over an 8-week period. According to a classification scheme, this BCF suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low.

Physiological properties

Most physiological properties of DMSO appear to be related to its penetration properties, its potential to inhibit or stimulate enzymes and to act as a free radical scavenger, and its ability to cause histamine release from mast cells. These properties are largely based on DMSO’s chemical characteristics, including its hydrogen bonding behavior, water affinity, ability to interchange with water in membranes, and ability to react with organic molecules.

Toxicity

DMSO is a non-toxic solvent with a median lethal dose higher than ethanol (DMSO: LD50, oral, rat, 14,500 mg/kg;ethanol: LD50, oral, rat, 7,060 mg/kg).

Early clinical trials with DMSO were stopped because of questions about its safety, especially its ability to harm the eye. The most commonly reported side effects include headaches and burning and itching on contact with the skin. Strong allergic reactions have been reported.[full citation needed] DMSO can cause contaminants, toxins, and medicines to be absorbed through the skin, which may cause unexpected effects. DMSO is thought to increase the effects of blood thinners, steroids, heart medicines, sedatives, and other drugs. In some cases this could be harmful or dangerous.