DIMETHYL SULFATE (DMS)
Other Name: Dimethyl ester of sulfuric acid; Molecular Formula: C2H6O4S; Molecular Mass: 126.13 g/mol; Density: 1.33 g/cm³; Boiling point: 188 °C; It is a colorless oily liquid with a slight onion-like odor. Reacts with water to decompose. Highly toxic.
DMS is a very potent methylating agent and extensively used in organic syntheses. Compared to other methylating agents, DMS is preferred by the industry because of its low cost and high reactivity.
Uses:
- As a reagent for the methylation of phenols, amines, anisole and thiols.
- For synthesis in pharmaceuticals, dyestuffs, perfumes, and pesticides industry.
- In the manufacturing processes of surfactants, fabric softeners, and photographic chemicals
- Used for chemical cleavage of DNA sequences, in biochemistry studies
- Also used as solvent