Dimethyl Sulfone: Properties, Sources and Cryoprotection

General Description

Dimethyl sulfone is a versatile organosulfur compound with odorless, water-soluble, crystalline properties. Dimethyl sulfone shows stability but decomposes at high temperatures to sulfur dioxide and methane. Found in foods and the atmosphere, Dimethyl sulfone plays vital roles in biological and environmental processes. While explored for cryoprotection like DMSO, its inefficacy is linked to precipitation at subzero temperatures, leading to reduced cell viability. Understanding its solubility dynamics is key for effective cryopreservation strategies. Overall, Dimethyl sulfone's multifaceted nature suggests diverse applications in skincare, supplements, and industrial uses, despite limitations in cryoprotection compared to DMSO.

Figure 1. Dimethyl sulfone

Properties

Dimethyl sulfone, scientifically known as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), is an organosulfur compound denoted by the chemical formula (CH3)2SO2. This white, crystalline solid possesses distinctive properties making it versatile in various applications. In terms of its physical attributes, dimethyl sulfone is notable for its odorless nature and solubility in water. Its crystalline form renders it easily recognizable. With a high boiling point of 238 degrees Celsius and a melting point of 109 degrees Celsius, it exhibits stability under standard conditions. However, exposure to elevated temperatures can prompt decomposition, leading to the generation of sulfur dioxide and methane as by-products. Chemically, dimethyl sulfone is characterized by its molecular structure, which includes two methyl groups (CH3) attached to a central sulfur atom (S), bonded to two oxygen atoms (O) via double bonds. This molecular arrangement contributes to its stability and solubility properties. Despite being odorless, its chemical structure offers potential health benefits and applications across various industries. From skincare to dietary supplements, dimethyl sulfone has garnered attention for its purported therapeutic effects, particularly in joint health and inflammation management. Overall, dimethyl sulfone stands as a multifaceted compound with intriguing chemical and physical properties, suggesting a broad spectrum of potential uses and benefits in both industrial and medicinal realms. ¹

Sources

Dimethyl sulfone, commonly known as MSM, is a naturally occurring compound found in various sources, predominantly in trace amounts within certain foods and environmental elements. Despite its minimal presence, it plays a significant role in biological processes and environmental cycles. One of the primary natural sources of Dimethyl sulfone is within food products. It occurs naturally in small quantities in several dietary items, including cow's milk, coffee, tomatoes, and corn. While these foods may not contain substantial amounts of Dimethyl sulfone individually, their collective consumption contributes to the overall intake of this compound in the human diet. Furthermore, Dimethyl sulfone is also present in the atmosphere, where it participates in the sulfur cycle. Through natural processes such as volcanic emissions, oceanic activity, and biological decomposition, sulfur compounds, including Dimethyl sulfone, are released into the air. Once in the atmosphere, Dimethyl sulfone can undergo various transformations and reactions, influencing atmospheric chemistry and contributing to environmental sulfur cycling processes. Overall, Dimethyl sulfone's natural sources encompass both dietary sources and environmental components. Its presence in food items and participation in environmental cycles highlight its importance in biological systems and ecosystem dynamics. While it may be found in relatively small quantities, Dimethyl sulfone plays a crucial role in various biological and environmental processes. ²

Cryoprotection

Dimethyl sulfone and its counterpart, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), are both compounds explored for their cryoprotective properties, crucial for preserving cells and tissues at low temperatures. While DMSO is known to be highly effective in cryopreservation, Dimethyl sulfone has been found to be ineffective despite its similarities. This anomaly has prompted investigation into the underlying mechanisms. Research into the phase behavior of DMSO and Dimethyl sulfone in aqueous solutions revealed a key distinction. It was observed that Dimethyl sulfone precipitates from the solution at subzero temperatures, leading to reduced cryoprotection. The presence of solid Dimethyl sulfone, particularly intracellularly, was associated with decreased cell recovery after freezing, indicating a correlation between cell damage and the amount of precipitated Dimethyl sulfone. The precipitation of Dimethyl sulfone both inside and outside of cells suggests that intracellular precipitation may be the primary damaging phenomenon. Typically, cryoprotective compounds are selected based on low toxicity, membrane permeability, and now, solubility. Understanding the solubility dynamics of Dimethyl sulfone is crucial for interpreting experimental results and developing effective cryopreservation protocols. In conclusion, while both DMSO and DMSO2 share cryoprotective potential, the precipitation behavior of Dimethyl sulfone at low temperatures limits its effectiveness compared to DMSO. This insight underscores the importance of considering solubility alongside traditional cryoprotectant criteria for successful cryopreservation strategies. ³

Reference

1. Dimethyl sulfone. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 2024; PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6213.

2. Williams KI, Burstein SH, Layne DS. Dimethyl sulfone: isolation from cows' milk. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1966; 122(3): 865-866.

3. McGann LE, Walterson ML. Cryoprotection by dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone. Cryobiology. 1987; 24(1): 11-16.

You may like