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8
Applications for Dimethyl Sulfide

The solvency characteristics, odor, and chemical reactivity are the determining factors in the poten-
tial applications for dimethyl sulfide and its derivatives. Some of the possible applications are pre-
sented below.

Chemical Reactant

DMS will undergo several types of reactions and may be used as a source / for the following reactive
groups:
Additional details concerning these and other reactions are presented in Bulletin 203B, "Chemical
Reactions of Dimethyl Sulfide".

Food and Beverage Component
Dimethyl Sulfide is present above its flavor threshold in most beers. Because of its low flavor thresh-
old, 10 - 150 ppb, it is a primary flavor and aroma compound that makes a significant contribution to
beer character, especially in lager beers. (www.abtonline.com/dms.html). Other food applications
include non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, candy, baked goods, gelatins and puddings, and syr-
ups. The use levels are in parts per million.

Presulfiding of Catalysts
Gaylord Chemical manufactures DMS for use as a presulfiding agent for catalysts in the refinery and
petrochemical manufacturing process. Dimethyl sulfide has proven to be an economical source for
the organic sulfur required in hydrocracking catalysts. The high purity and easy handling of DMS has
led to its worldwide use as a presulfiding agent. See bulletin 201 and An Overivew of Catalyst Sul-
fiding for more information.

Extraction Solvent
Dimethyl sulfide, a thio ether, has a distinct advantage as an extraction solvent in that it does not
form dangerous peroxides. In addition, DMS has a low affinity for mineral acids and will not extract
these from water solutions. The low water solubility of DMS is another important factor in its use as a
replacement for ethers.

Reaction Medium
Dimethyl sulfide is inert to most reaction components and has a wide range of solubilities for both
organic and inorganic materials, including many gases. These characteristics are the basis for its