The Multifaceted Uses of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) in Research and Industry

DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) is a highly polar, water-soluble solvent that has been widely used in various fields of research for over 40 years. It is a colorless liquid with a strong sulfur smell and is known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, including many organic and inorganic substances.

DMSO is used in various applications such as:

1. Chemical synthesis: DMSO is used as a solvent in the synthesis of a wide range of compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals.
2. Biomedical research: DMSO is used to dissolve a variety of biological molecules, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, for study in vitro or in vivo.
3. Pharmaceuticals: DMSO is used as a solvent in the production of some pharmaceutical products, and it is also used as a carrier for drugs in transdermal drug delivery systems.
4. Cosmetics: DMSO is used in some personal care products, such as skin creams and lotions, due to its ability to penetrate the skin and deliver actives.
5. Agriculture: DMSO is used as a pesticide and a fungicide, and it is also used to improve the solubility of agricultural chemicals in water.
6. Analytical chemistry: DMSO is used as a solvent in various analytical techniques, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC).
7. Cryopreservation: DMSO is used to preserve cells, tissues, and organs at very low temperatures, allowing for the long-term storage of biological samples.
8. Cancer treatment: DMSO has been investigated as a potential cancer treatment due to its ability to deliver drugs directly to tumors and its anti-inflammatory properties.

Overall, DMSO is a versatile solvent that has many applications in various fields of research and industry.