gained only 0.1 % of its original weight after 30 days testing.
Dimethyl Sulfone can be used to extract aromatics from hydrocarbon mixtures. The addition of Di-
methyl Sulfone to the solvents currently used in this process may enhance recovery and reduce the
quantity of solvent required.
TOXICITY OF DIMETHYL SULFONE
Limited toxicity studies and extensive observations give no signs of any toxicological problems. Di-
methyl Sulfone is widely distributed in plants and animals and is the natural metabolic product from
several sulfur-containing compounds. It has been isolated in beer, coffee, tea, cladonia deformis
from peat bogs
The acute oral median lethal dose (LD50) of Dimethyl Sulfone was found to be> 17,020 mg/kg when
administered as a 25.0% (w/v) aqueous solution to albino rats. In another study the LD of Dimethyl
Sulfone given to mice by the oral route was >2,000 mg/kg. No deaths or clinical changes or body
weight abnormalities were observed in this study
Dimethyl Sulfone when administered to New Zealand White rats by the dermal route, is to be consid-
ered non-irritant for the skin
The skin sensitization of Dimethyl Sulfone was assessed in guinea-pigs using the Magnusson test.
No animals treated showed a positive reaction to the challenge
The mutagenic potential of Dimethyl Sulfone was investigated using the Ames Test. In the concen-
tration range investigated, Dimethyl Sutfone did not show any mutagenic activity with or without the
addition of S9 liver homogenate fractions
The toxicological and physiological properties of Dimethyl Sulfone have not been fully explored and
reasonable care should be used in handling Dimethyl Sulfone.
2. P. Karrer and C. Eugster, Helv. Chim. Acta, 32, 957 (1949)
3. J. Pfiffner and H. North, J. Bio. Chem. 134, 781 (1940)
4. P. Yu and S. Peano, Single Dose Toxicity Study in Mice by Oral Route, LCG Bioscience Report