Dimethyl sulfide
Colorless transparent volatile liquid. It has an unpleasant smell. Soluble in ethanol and ether, insoluble in water.
Used as solvent and catalyst for many inorganic compounds.
Introduction
Dimethyl sulfide is an organosulfur compound widely used as a chemical intermediate, solvent, and flavoring agent. It occurs naturally in some plants and seafood and is also a byproduct of industrial processes.
Chemical Characteristics
| Melting point | −98 °C(lit.) |
| Boiling point | 38 °C(lit.) |
| density | 0.846 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| vapor density | 2.1 (vs air) |
| vapor pressure | 26.24 psi ( 55 °C) |
| refractive index | n |
| FEMA | 2746 | METHYL SULFIDE |
| Fp | −34 °F |
| storage temp. | Store at +2°C to +8°C. |
| solubility | Miscible with alcohols, ethers, esters, ketones, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. |
| form | Liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.849 (20/4℃) |
| color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | Ethereal, permeating; disagreeable; offensive. |
| Odor Threshold | 0.003ppm |
| Odor Type | sulfurous |
| explosive limit | 2.2-19.7%(V) |
| Merck | 14,6123 |
| JECFA Number | 452 |
| BRN | 1696847 |
| Dielectric constant | 6.3（20℃） |
| Exposure limits | ACGIH: TWA 10 ppm |
| Stability: | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Highly flammable - note low boiling point, low flash point, and wide explosion limits. Mixtures with air are potentially explosive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Use in UK regulated by LPG Regulations 1978 in accordance with HSE guidance note CS17. |
| InChIKey | QMMFVYPAHWMCMS-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | 0.89 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 75-18-3(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Dimethyl sulfide(75-18-3) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Dimethyl sulfide (75-18-3) |
Applications
Chemical Industry
Used as a precursor in the synthesis of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Acts as a reagent in organic synthesis.
Food and Beverage Industry
Employed as a flavoring agent in small quantities.
Contributes to the aroma of certain wines and seafood.
Petrochemical Industry
Utilized as an odor masking agent in natural gas pipelines.
Used in hydrodesulfurization processes.
Agriculture
Incorporated as a soil fumigant and pest control agent.
Environmental Studies
Studied for its role in the global sulfur cycle, particularly in marine ecosystems.
Handling and Storage
Storage Conditions: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
Precautions: Use proper protective equipment to avoid inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
FAQs
1. What is the natural source of dimethyl sulfide?
Dimethyl sulfide is produced by the breakdown of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in marine organisms, contributing to its presence in oceanic environments.
2. Is dimethyl sulfide toxic?
DMS can be harmful if inhaled or ingested in large quantities. It is an irritant and should be handled with care.
3. What is its significance in environmental science?
DMS plays a role in cloud formation and climate regulation due to its influence on atmospheric sulfur levels.
4. How is dimethyl sulfide produced industrially?
DMS is typically produced via the reaction of methanol and hydrogen sulfide or through the catalytic cracking of dimethyl sulfoxide.
For detailed technical data or safety guidelines, consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS) specific to your application.
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