dimethyl sulfoxide (redirected from Dimethyl sulphoxide)

dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

Colourless, nearly odourless liquid organic compound. It mixes in all proportions with water, ethanol, and most organic solvents and dissolves a wide variety of compounds (but not aliphatic hydrocarbons). It readily penetrates skin and other tissues and is used to carry drugs and antitoxins through the skin. It has many nonmedical uses—as a solvent, cleaner, pesticide, paint stripper, hydraulic fluid, preservative of cells at low temperatures, and metal complexing agent.