DMSO is Dimethyl Disulfoxide as a safety solvent with properties as follows :

> Toxicity: virtually non-toxic
> High polarity and dialectric constant
> Excellent thermal stability when
heated to 150° C for 24 hours, less
than 0.1% assay loss
> Safety: low vapor tension and high
flash-point
> Recyclable: DMSO can usually be
recovered and regenerated
efficiently and economically
> Compared to similar solvents,
DMSO leads to an increase in
reaction rates, higher selectivity and
yields and the ability to work at
lower temperatures.
 
Markets and Applications
> Fine chemical organic synthesis:
reaction medium
> Agrochemicals & coating: reaction
solvents & formulations
> Paint stripping, cleaning and
extraction: solvents
> Electronics: stripping or cleaning
solvents, rinsing agents for
semiconductors and LCDs
> Synthesis of polymers ( such as
Polyacrylonitrile, Polyvinylacetate
and others) : polymers