Short answer: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CAS 67-68-5) occurs in nature only in trace amounts, mainly in seawater and in small quantities in some fruits and vegetables. It cannot be extracted economically, so commercial DMSO is made synthetically.
What is the natural source of DMSO?
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) which is widely found in fruit and vegetables are further sources of DMS in terrestrial habitats due to its reduction to DMS by microorganisms.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, CAS 67-68-5) does not occur naturally in large, usable quantities. Trace amounts of DMSO can be produced naturally in marine environments as a by-product of the microbial metabolism of dimethyl sulphide (DMS), a compound released by phytoplankton and algae. However, these concentrations are so low that they cannot be extracted for industrial or commercial use.
Almost all of the DMSO used globally is produced synthetically via the catalytic oxidation of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a compound derived from the processing of petroleum or natural gas. This industrial method ensures a high yield and consistent purity, enabling a large-scale supply to meet market demands.
Where Does Natural DMSO Come From?
The marine sulfur cycle
Marine phytoplankton and algae produce dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a sulfur compound that acts as an osmolyte and antioxidant. When algae die or are grazed, bacteria and enzymes break DMSP down into dimethyl sulfide (DMS), the gas responsible for the characteristic smell of the sea. DMS is then oxidized to Dimethyl sulfoxide, both in surface seawater (by sunlight and bacteria) and in the atmosphere, where DMSO is an intermediate on the way to sulfur-containing aerosols.
On land
Trace amounts of DMSO have been reported in some fruits, vegetables, grains and beverages. Soil and other microorganisms can also reduce DMSO back to DMS, so the two compounds are constantly interconverted in nature. As in the ocean, the quantities are tiny and mixed into a complex biological matrix.
Natural vs Commercial DMSO at a Glance
| Aspect | Natural DMSO | Commercial DMSO |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Oxidation of DMS in seawater and air; trace levels in plants | Chemical oxidation of DMS in industrial plants |
| Quantity | Trace; far too low to recover economically | Tonnage supply in drums, IBC tanks and ISO tanks |
| Purity and consistency | Dispersed in seawater or plant material | 99% and higher-purity grades with batch COA |
| Documentation | None | COA, TDS and SDS/MSDS |
How Is Commercial DMSO Produced?
Almost all DMSO used worldwide is produced synthetically in three stages:
DMS feedstock. Dimethyl sulfide is made from methanol and hydrogen sulfide, or recovered as a by-product of wood pulping.
Oxidation. DMS is oxidized to DMSO by catalytic oxidation (commonly oxygen with a nitrogen-oxide catalyst system).
Purification. The crude product is purified by distillation to reach the required purity and low water content, then tested against the specification.
This route delivers high yield and consistent purity, which is why synthetic DMSO supplies essentially the entire market.
Does "Natural" or "Wood-Derived" DMSO Exist as a Product?
Some marketing describes dimethyl sulfoxide as "natural" or "wood-derived" because early commercial DMS came from lignin in wood pulping. The molecule itself is identical whatever its feedstock: DMSO is C₂H₆OS with a single structure, and the DMSO on the market is always the product of a chemical oxidation. What differs between suppliers is not "naturalness" but purity, water content and documentation.
How to Check the DMSO You Are Buying
- CAS number: 67-68-5 (be careful with look-alike numbers from other chemicals).
- Purity: the assay value and test method (typically GC) on the COA.
- Water content: DMSO is hygroscopic, so ask for the Karl Fischer result.
- Appearance and solidification point: colorless liquid; pure DMSO solidifies at about 18.5 °C.
- Documents: current COA, TDS and SDS with every shipment; SGS inspection on request.
Why Choose GNEE BIO?
Our Advantages：
Extensive Export Experience
Our products are exported to Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa, where we have established long-term relationships with our customers.
Quality Service
Adhering to the principle of "Quality First, Service Foremost," GNEE BIO provides high-quality chemicals based on a comprehensive quality assurance system.
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We provide a 24-hour, fast, and clear response to global customer needs. Professional and personalized after-sales service ensures peace of mind.
FAQ
Q: Is DMSO a natural product?
A: Only in trace amounts, mainly in seawater and some fruits and vegetables. Commercial dimethyl sulfoxide is synthetic, produced by oxidizing dimethyl sulfide.
Q: Is organic DMSO the same as natural DMSO?
A: No. In chemistry, organic means the molecule contains carbon; it is an organosulfur compound. The term does not mean naturally sourced or certified organic.
Q: Is DMSO made from wood?
A: Wood pulping by-products were an early source of dimethyl sulfide, and some DMSO is described as wood-derived. The conversion to dimethyl sulfoxide is still a chemical oxidation process, so the product is synthetic regardless of feedstock.
Q: Is synthetic DMSO different from natural DMSO?
A: No. The molecule is identical. Differences between products lie in purity, water content and documentation, not in the molecule.
Q: Can DMSO be extracted from seawater or plants?
A: Not economically. Natural concentrations are far too low to recover for industrial or commercial use.
about us
Tianjin Gnee Biotech Co., Ltd. (GNEE BIO), established in 2021, is a professional chemical supplier and exporter serving distributors, manufacturers and industrial users worldwide. We work with qualified manufacturing partners and apply strict quality control throughout the supply process. Certifications including REACH, ISO, FMQS and HALAL are available on request.
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| Acetonitrile | CAS 75-05-8 |
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| o-Xylene | CAS 95-47-6 |
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