Is DMSO the same as dimethyl sulfoxide?

Yes, DMSO is the common acronym for dimethyl sulfoxide.

Why does DMSO cause a garlic-like taste or odor?

It is metabolized to dimethyl sulfide, a compound also found in garlic, which is excreted via breath and skin.

Can dimethyl sulfoxide be used on its own as a medicine?

Its use as a medicine is approved in some countries (e.g., for interstitial cystitis) but is controversial and often restricted due to variable purity and side effects.

What safety precautions are needed when handling DMSO?

Wear gloves and eye protection, as it rapidly penetrates skin and can carry dissolved contaminants into the bloodstream. Use in a fume hood due to its vapors.

Is “dimethyl sulfoxide” formal?

Dimethyl sulfoxide is usually technical/scientific in register.

How do you pronounce “dimethyl sulfoxide”?

Dimethyl sulfoxide: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌmiːθaɪl sʌlˈfɒksaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌmeθəl səlˈfɑːksaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

dimethyl sulfoxide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1/C2

UK/daɪˌmiːθaɪl sʌlˈfɒksaɪd/US/daɪˌmeθəl səlˈfɑːksaɪd/

Technical/Scientific

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “dimethyl sulfoxide” mean?

A colorless, hygroscopic liquid solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, notable for its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds and for its medical applications.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A colorless, hygroscopic liquid solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, notable for its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds and for its medical applications.

In medical contexts, refers specifically to a topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent; in biology, a cryoprotectant used to preserve cells; in industry, a powerful solvent and paint stripper.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: 'sulphoxide' (UK) vs. 'sulfoxide' (US). The UK spelling is increasingly rare in technical journals, which often adopt US spelling conventions.

Connotations

Identical technical meaning. In alternative medicine contexts (esp. US), can carry connotations of unproven therapeutic claims.

Frequency

Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in chemistry, pharmacology, and biomedical texts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “dimethyl sulfoxide” in a Sentence

[substance] is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxidedimethyl sulfoxide is used to [purpose]dissolve [material] in dimethyl sulfoxidetreat [sample] with dimethyl sulfoxide

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

aqueous dimethyl sulfoxidepure dimethyl sulfoxideDMSO solutionapply dimethyl sulfoxidedissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide

medium

concentration of dimethyl sulfoxidetreated with dimethyl sulfoxidesolvent dimethyl sulfoxidedimethyl sulfoxide toxicitydimethyl sulfoxide penetration

weak

commercial dimethyl sulfoxideliquid dimethyl sulfoxideresearch involving dimethyl sulfoxidehandle dimethyl sulfoxide carefully

Examples

Examples of “dimethyl sulfoxide” in a Sentence

noun

British English

The efficacy of dimethyl sulphoxide as a cryoprotectant is well-documented.
They ordered a fresh bottle of dimethyl sulphoxide for the lab.

American English

Dimethyl sulfoxide is often the solvent of choice for this reaction.
The patient reported a garlic-like taste after topical DMSO application.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

In chemical manufacturing or pharmaceutical supply chain discussions.

Academic

Standard in organic chemistry, pharmacology, cell biology, and materials science papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used. Possible in contexts of alternative medicine or hobbyist chemistry.

Technical

The primary register. Precise specifications of concentration, purity, and application are critical.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “dimethyl sulfoxide”

Strong

methyl sulfoxidemethylsulfinylmethane

Neutral

DMSO(CH₃)₂SO

Weak

universal solventcryoprotectant (context-specific)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “dimethyl sulfoxide”

non-solventwater (in specific solvent contexts)immiscible liquid

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “dimethyl sulfoxide”

Misspelling as 'dymethyl' or 'sulphoxide' in US contexts.
Using 'DMSO' without prior definition in formal writing.
Confusing it with dimethyl sulfate (a toxic alkylating agent).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, DMSO is the common acronym for dimethyl sulfoxide.
: It is metabolized to dimethyl sulfide, a compound also found in garlic, which is excreted via breath and skin.
: Its use as a medicine is approved in some countries (e.g., for interstitial cystitis) but is controversial and often restricted due to variable purity and side effects.
: Wear gloves and eye protection, as it rapidly penetrates skin and can carry dissolved contaminants into the bloodstream. Use in a fume hood due to its vapors.
: A colorless, hygroscopic liquid solvent with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, notable for its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds and for its medical applications.
: Dimethyl sulfoxide is usually technical/scientific in register.
: Dimethyl sulfoxide: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˌmiːθaɪl sʌlˈfɒksaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˌmeθəl səlˈfɑːksaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Di-METH-yl SULF-oxide: Think 'two methyl groups' (di-methyl) attached to a sulfur-oxygen core (sulfoxide).

Conceptual Metaphor

A 'TRANSPORT VEHICLE' or 'GATEWAY' (due to its ability to carry other substances through biological barriers).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For the NMR analysis, the sample was dissolved in deuterated .

Multiple Choice

What is a primary medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide?