FlavScents AInsights Entry: 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 polar nature and high solubility in both water and organic solvents. While DMSO itself is not typically used for its odor, it is known for its ability to enhance the penetration of other compounds, which can be relevant in fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Dimethyl sulfoxide is generally odorless at low concentrations but can have a slight garlic-like odor at higher concentrations. It is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavor or fragrance applications.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Data not found.
• Typical Sensory Role: DMSO is not used as a direct flavor or fragrance component but may be involved in formulations as a solvent or penetration enhancer.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Dimethyl sulfoxide is not naturally occurring in significant amounts in food or plants. It is primarily synthesized industrially.
• Formation Pathways: Industrial synthesis typically involves the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: DMSO does not qualify as a natural flavor or fragrance component 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 directly as a flavoring agent but may be used as a solvent or carrier in flavor formulations.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Primarily used as a solvent due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds.
• Typical Use Levels: Data not found. Use levels would be determined by its role as a solvent rather than a flavor component.
• Stability Considerations: DMSO is stable under normal conditions but can decompose at high temperatures, releasing sulfur dioxide.

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 in fragrance formulations as a solvent.
• Functional Role: Acts as a solvent and penetration enhancer, facilitating the delivery of fragrance compounds.
• Typical Qualitative or Quantitative Concentration Ranges: Data not found. Concentrations would depend on its role as a solvent.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: DMSO itself does not contribute to fragrance volatility or note structure.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): DMSO is not listed as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not listed for flavor use.
• United Kingdom (post-Brexit alignment or divergence): Aligns with EU regulations.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level data not found; typically follows international standards.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level data not found; typically follows international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: DMSO is not typically ingested in flavor applications; thus, oral exposure data is limited.
• Dermal Exposure: Known for its ability to penetrate the skin, DMSO can cause irritation and should be used with caution in topical applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk, but occupational exposure should be monitored.
• Risk Profiles: Differ between food and fragrance applications due to its primary use as a solvent rather than an active ingredient.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: DMSO is valued for its solvent properties and ability to enhance the penetration of other compounds.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with both polar and non-polar compounds, enhancing formulation versatility.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to skin irritation; care should be taken to avoid excessive concentrations.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-utilized in formulations where enhanced penetration is beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Solvent properties and safety profile are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use as a solvent in fragrance formulations.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited data on flavor use due to its primary role 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 (not applicable for DMSO)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for DMSO)

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 2026-01-26 21:06:42 GMT (p2)