Dimethyl sulfoxide
(DMSO) is an
organosulfur compound
with the
formula
(CH3)2SO. This colorless liquid is an important
polar
aprotic solvent
that dissolves both
polar and nonpolar
compounds and is
miscible
in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water. It has a relatively high boiling point. DMSO has the unusual property that many individuals perceive a
garlic-like taste in the mouth after contact with the skin.
In terms of chemical structure, the molecule has idealized
Cs
symmetry. It has a
trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry
consistent with other three-coordinate S(IV) compounds,
with a
nonbonded electron pair
on the approximately
tetrahedral
sulfur atom.