Number

100-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an efficient polar aprotic solvent in numerous applications. It may be used as an alternative to N methylpyrrolidone (1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), dimethylformamide or methylene chloride (dichloromethane) and other solvents in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fine chemicals, electronics and cleaning.

Substituted substances

Reason substitution

CMR
sensitizing

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: One of the toxic solvents is methylpyrrolidone. The substance is: 1 A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Methylene chloride is: 2B carcinogen (IARC), 1A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation), edlists.org: Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level, as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Dimethylformamide is: 2A carcinogen (IARC) and 1A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substance: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is not included in the harmonised EU classification and is not present on the lists of chemicals currently known to fulfil SUBSPORTplus screening criteria for high concern hazards. See also Further information.

Description of Substitution

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an efficient solvent for polar or polarizable organic compounds, but also for many acids, alkalis and mineral salts. It is a competitive alternative to toxic solvents as methylpyrrolidone, (1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), dimethylformamide or methylene chloride (dichloromethane). Other solvents could also be substituted by DMSO, for example propylene carbonate, dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, gamma-butyrolactone, dichloromethane. DMSO can be used in pharmaceuticals as reactive solvent or alkylation agent, in agrochemicals as synthesis solvent, in electronics as stripping and rinsing of photoresistant substances, or in polymer synthesis or reactions. DMSO is an efficient alternative to methylene chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone for paint stripping formulations. Advantages High solubility of many organic compounds and salts, stable in temperature under basic and neutral conditions, fast reactions compared to other polar aprotic solvents, easily recyclable. DMSO solubilises at room temperature a wide range of polymers: polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polystyrene (PS), polyether sulfones (PES), polyethyleneimines (PEI), polyethyleneimines (PAI), polyvinylchloride (PCV), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyurethanes (PU), epoxy resins. DMSO high flash point and boiling point ensure safely handling. According to information from the producer DMSO is of very low acute toxicity by oral, inhalation and dermal routes (see Further information).

Case/substitution evaluation

Based on the currently available data DMSO is safer and affordable compared to the solvents it can substitute.

State of implementation

In use

Availability ofAlternative

Alternative available on the market.

Producer/Provider

https://www.arkema.com/en/

https://www.arkema.com/en/products/product-finder/product-viewer/DMSO/

Type of information supplier

Producer / distributor
Research

Contact

https://www.arkema.com/en/

Further information

MSDS from Sigma Aldrich can be found here MSDS from Arkema can be found here DMSO is registered in the ECHA C&L Inventory as H315-Causes skin irritation, H319 -Causes serious eye irritation, H335 -May cause respiratory irritation. and H332 -Harmful if inhaled.H373 -May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposureDimethyl-sulfoxide on wikipedia

Type of publication and availability

Producer presentation brochure

Publication source

Type of publication and availability

https://www.arkema.fr/export/shared/.content/media/downloads/products-documentations/thiochemicals/eu_dmso_brochure6

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020