Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) is a low molecular weight sulfur compound with a distinctive garlic-like odor. It possess a low level of toxicity, and is used as a flavor component in the US and other parts of the world.
Exact-S® Dimethyl Sulfide has applications in the hydrocarbon industry, including the production of ethylene. Dimethyl Sulfide is also used in certain chemical reactions of importance to the pharmaceutical Industry.
Key Applications for Dimethyl Sulfide
- As an effective presulfiding agent. DMS is used as a sulfur source for industrial catalysts used in hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrification, and catalytic cracking. These catalysts are supplied in their oxide form, and must be modified with sulfur prior to use
- As a furnace passivation agent. The service lifetime of pyrolysis furnace tubes used to manufacture ethylene is extended when treated with low levels of DMS. Furnace tubes used to reduce iron ore are protected in a similar way.
- As a “back-up” odorant in gas products. DMS is blended with common gas odorants as a protective measure. When odorants such as methyl mercaptan oxidize, their odor diminishes. DMS is not as susceptible to this problem.
- In chemical synthesis, DMS is alkylated to produce trimethylsulfonium halides, which are useful epoxidation reagents. DMS-BH3 is used in hydroboration-oxidation and related reactions.
Related Resources
Exact-S® Product Sheet: Representative Specification, packaging options, and basic use.
Bulletin 200: Applications and Chemistry of Dimethyl Sulfide