Dimethyl sulfide
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| Dimethyl sulfide | |
|---|---|
| Image:Dimethylsulfide.png Image:Dimethyl-sulfide-3D-vdW.png | |
| Chemical name | Dimethyl sulfide |
| Chemical formula | C2H6S |
| Molecular mass | 62.13 g/mol |
| CAS number | [75-18-3] |
| Density | 0.840 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | -98 °C |
| Boiling point | 37 °C |
| SMILES | CSC |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or methylthiomethane is a sulfur containing organic chemical compound with formula: (CH3)2S. Dimethyl sulfide in concentrated liquid form is a flammable and insoluble with a boiling point of 37°C and a disagreeable odor. In vapor form it is produced by cooking of certain vegetables, notably corn and cabbage, and seafoods. It is also an indication of bacterial infection in malt production and brewing. It is a breakdown product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and is also produced by the bacterial metabolism of methanethiol.
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[edit] Natural Sources and link with Climate
DMS is the most abundant single biological sulfur compound emitted to the atmosphere. Emission occurs over the oceans by phytoplankton. These atmospheric DMS aerosol particles or droplets are oxidized to sulfuric acid and act as cloud condensation nuclei. Through this interaction with cloud formation, the massive production of atmospheric DMS over the oceans may have a significant impact on the Earth's climate.
Recent research suggests that marine bacteria are reducing the amount of this important climate cooling gas given off from our seas.
[edit] Industrial uses
In industry it is used in petroleum refining and in petrochemical production processes to control the formation of coke and carbon monoxide. In addition it is used to control dusting in steel mills. It is also used in a range of organic syntheses. It also has a use as a food flavoring component. It can also be oxidized by natural or artificial means to dimethyl sulfoxide, (DMSO), which has several important solvent properties.
The largest single commercial producer of DMS in the world is Gaylord Chemical Corporation, which is a significant economic component of the paper industry of Bogalusa, Louisiana.
