FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dimethyl Sulfoxide (CAS: 67-68-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO
• IUPAC Name: Dimethyl sulfoxide
• CAS Number: 67-68-5
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not applicable, CoE number not applicable, IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C2H6OS
• Molecular Weight: 78.13 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Dimethyl sulfoxide is characterized by a sulfoxide functional group, which contributes to its high polarity and ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds. This property is more relevant to its use as a solvent rather than its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Dimethyl sulfoxide is generally considered odorless or has a very faint garlic-like odor at high concentrations. It is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavor or fragrance applications.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found. Due to its primary use as a solvent, sensory thresholds are not typically documented.
• Typical Sensory Role: Not applicable as DMSO is not used for its sensory properties in flavor or fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Dimethyl sulfoxide is not naturally occurring in significant amounts in nature. It is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
• Formation Pathways: Industrial synthesis typically involves the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: DMSO does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designation due to its synthetic origin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: DMSO is not used as a flavoring agent. Its primary role in flavor applications is as a solvent or carrier for other flavor compounds.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Solvent for flavor compounds.
• Typical Use Levels: Not applicable for flavoring purposes. As a solvent, use levels are determined by the solubility requirements of the flavor compounds.
• Stability Considerations: DMSO is stable under a wide range of conditions, including heat and pH variations, making it a versatile solvent in flavor formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: DMSO is not used for its fragrance properties but may be used as a solvent in fragrance formulations.
• Functional Role: Solvent for fragrance compounds.
• Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Concentration ranges are determined by the solubility requirements of the fragrance compounds.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: DMSO itself does not contribute to the fragrance profile but aids in the dissolution and stability of other fragrance components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): DMSO is not listed as a GRAS substance for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not applicable for flavor use.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Aligns with EU regulations.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Not typically used in food or fragrance applications.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): Not applicable for flavor or fragrance use.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: DMSO is not intended for oral consumption in flavor applications. No ADI or MSDI is established.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for dermal exposure in controlled concentrations, but can cause irritation in some individuals.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be monitored.
• Risk Profiles: DMSO is primarily a solvent and not used for its sensory properties, thus differing risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are not applicable.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: DMSO is valued for its exceptional solvent properties, capable of dissolving a wide range of compounds.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with both polar and nonpolar compounds, enhancing the solubility and stability of complex formulations.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to unwanted solvent residues; careful balance is required.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized in formulations requiring high solubility due to concerns about residual solvent presence.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Extensive data on solvent properties and industrial applications.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use as a solvent in flavor and fragrance formulations is common but not always documented.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Lack of sensory data due to its primary use as a solvent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges where applicable
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-08-24 07:36:03 GMT (p2)