dimethyl sulfate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dimethyl sulfate” mean?
A highly toxic, corrosive chemical compound (C2H6O4S) used primarily as a methylating agent in organic synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A highly toxic, corrosive chemical compound (C2H6O4S) used primarily as a methylating agent in organic synthesis.
In broader scientific contexts, it refers to a potent and dangerous laboratory reagent that methylates DNA, RNA, proteins, and phenols, and is historically significant in chemical warfare as a vesicant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'sulphate' is British English, 'sulfate' is American English. The compound name is standardised as 'dimethyl sulphate' in UK scientific literature and 'dimethyl sulfate' in US literature.
Connotations
Identical high-hazard connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside specialist fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dimethyl sulfate” in a Sentence
Dimethyl sulfate is used to [VERB] [NOUN].[NOUN] is methylated with dimethyl sulfate.Dimethyl sulfate reacts with [NOUN].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dimethyl sulfate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The phenol was dimethyl sulphated to yield the methoxy derivative.
- They carefully dimethylsulphated the sample.
American English
- The compound was dimethyl sulfated under nitrogen atmosphere.
- Do not attempt to dimethyl sulfate without proper training.
adverb
British English
- The reagent was added dimethyl sulphately, with extreme caution.
- He worked dimethyl-sulphately in the containment lab.
American English
- She handled the vial dimethyl sulfately, using double gloves.
- The procedure must be performed dimethyl-sulfately.
adjective
British English
- The dimethyl sulphate reaction required a fume hood.
- A dimethyl-sulphate-treated sample.
American English
- The dimethyl sulfate solution was prepared freshly.
- Follow all dimethyl-sulfate-specific safety protocols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used outside chemical manufacturing or laboratory supply procurement contexts, referring to its sale, handling regulations, or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Academic
Frequently appears in research papers on organic synthesis, biochemistry (studying methylation), and toxicology studies. Discussed for its mechanism and hazards.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would only appear in specific safety warnings or historical contexts (e.g., chemical weaponry).
Technical
The primary context: detailed protocols for its use in methylations, discussions of its toxicity (carcinogenicity, latency period), and its physical/chemical properties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dimethyl sulfate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dimethyl sulfate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dimethyl sulfate”
- Misspelling as 'dimethyl sulphite' (a different compound).
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing 'meth' as in 'methane' instead of 'methyl'.
- Using it as a general term for something toxic instead of its specific technical meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different compounds. Dimethyl sulfate (C2H6O4S) is a toxic, corrosive methylating agent. DMSO (C2H6OS) is a much less toxic, commonly used polar aprotic solvent.
It is highly toxic via inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. Its effects can be delayed for several hours, and it is a known human carcinogen. It is also corrosive, causing severe burns.
Its primary use is in organic synthesis as a methylating agent for phenols, amines, and thiols. It is also used in biochemistry for DNA and RNA footprinting techniques and was historically used in chemical warfare.
Yes, chemists often seek alternatives like methyl iodide, dimethyl carbonate, or trimethyl phosphate, which can perform similar methylations with lower toxicity, though they may have other drawbacks like cost or reactivity.
A highly toxic, corrosive chemical compound (C2H6O4S) used primarily as a methylating agent in organic synthesis.
Dimethyl sulfate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dimethyl sulfate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪˌmɛθəl ˈsʌlfeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌmɛθəl ˈsʌlfeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None applicable.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DI (two) METHYL groups attached to a SULFATE backbone. 'Di-' = two, 'methyl' = CH3, 'sulfate' = SO4.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'chemical stamp' that irreversibly adds methyl groups to molecules; a 'silent assassin' due to its delayed toxic effects.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with dimethyl sulfate?