- CAS
- 67-68-5
- Grades
- Cell-culture sterile, molecular biology, industrial solvent
Laboratories often formulate about 5–10% DMSO in medium before freezing; follow your protocol. The grade decides sterility, peroxide and endotoxin, so it has to be named. Glycerol grades are separate rows.
What it is
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a polar aprotic solvent, fully miscible with water and most organic solvents. It crosses cell membranes and lowers the freezing point and ice-crystal formation inside cells, which makes it the standard penetrating cryoprotectant for mammalian cells.
Where it is used
- Cryopreservation: typically 5–10% DMSO in medium with serum or protein, cooled at about −1 °C per minute before storage in liquid nitrogen.
- Stock solvent for small molecules in screening; final levels in cell assays are usually kept at or below 0.1–0.5%.
- PCR additive for GC-rich templates, commonly 2–10%.
- Solvent for dissolving MTT formazan and for many stains.
Handling tips
- DMSO freezes at about 18.5 °C and may solidify in cool storage; warm gently to melt and mix.
- It is hygroscopic. Keep containers tightly closed and aliquot sterile material.
- It penetrates skin and can carry dissolved substances with it; wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves.
What to specify when ordering
- Grade: cell-culture sterile, molecular biology, or industrial solvent.
- Sterility, endotoxin and water content requirements.
- Bottle size. See which grade to ask for.
Properties and storage
- Formula
- C2H6OS
- Molecular weight
- 78.13
- Appearance
- Clear colourless liquid (freezes below 18.5 °C)
- Solubility
- Miscible with water, ethanol and most organic solvents
- Storage
- Room temperature, sealed, dark; hygroscopic; thaw at room temperature if frozen
- Typical packs
- 100 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2.5 L
Typical literature values. The batch COA / SDS governs.
Before you inquire
Which grade for freezing cells?
Cell-culture sterile grade, with sterility and endotoxin on the COA.
Why is my DMSO solid?
Pure DMSO freezes at about 18.5 °C. Warming to room temperature restores it without harming quality.
Can I autoclave DMSO?
It is normally sterilized by filtration through a DMSO-compatible membrane such as PTFE or nylon, not by autoclaving.
Pack sizes and catalogue numbers
Prices on request; lead time confirmed on the quotation.
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Send an inquiryFor research or industrial use only. Not for human or animal diagnosis or treatment, and not for drug or food use. Grade, pack size and lead time follow the supplier batch COA / SDS. Figures on this site are general industry references, not a factory specification.