Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM) CAS 67-71-0

What Is Dimethyl Sulfone?

Dimethyl sulfone is a white, odorless crystalline organosulfur compound identified by CAS No. 67-71-0. It is also widely known as methylsulfonylmethane, MSM, methyl sulfone or DMSO₂.

The molecule contains two methyl groups bonded to a sulfonyl group. Its chemical stability, water solubility, crystalline form and sulfur content allow it to be used in specialty chemical synthesis, laboratory research, selected high-temperature processing, personal-care formulations and qualified nutrition-related applications.

AOZUN supplies dimethyl sulfone for industrial and application-specific requirements. The correct grade should be selected according to the intended use, impurity limits, particle size, documentation and applicable regulations.

Is Dimethyl Sulfone Organic or Inorganic?

Dimethyl sulfone is an organic compound.

It belongs to the sulfone family of organosulfur chemicals. Although the molecule contains sulfur and oxygen, it also contains carbon–sulfur bonds and two methyl groups. It is therefore classified commercially as an organic chemical rather than an inorganic sulfur compound.

Recommended website categories include:

• Fine chemicals

• Organosulfur chemicals

• Organic intermediates

• Specialty chemical raw materials

• Laboratory reagents

• Qualified nutraceutical ingredients, where applicable

Is Dimethyl Sulfone a Fine Chemical or an Intermediate?

Dimethyl sulfone is primarily classified as a fine or specialty chemical because buyers frequently require controlled purity, particle size, residual DMSO, heavy metals, moisture and application-specific documentation.

It can also be classified as an organic intermediate when it is used as a raw material in chemical synthesis or materials research.

The most suitable primary website classification is:

Fine Chemicals → Organosulfur Chemicals

“Organic Intermediates” may be used as a secondary category for synthesis applications. “Nutraceutical Ingredients” should only be used for a grade supported by appropriate specifications, manufacturing controls and regional compliance documentation.

Dimethyl Sulfone Identification at a Glance

Physical-property values are reference data rather than guaranteed batch specifications. Buyers should use the current product specification, COA and SDS when making acceptance, storage or transport decisions.

What Are the Main Grades of Dimethyl Sulfone?

Industrial Grade

Industrial-grade dimethyl sulfone is intended for chemical synthesis, materials processing and other technical applications.

Selection criteria may include:

• Assay

• Appearance

• Melting range

• Water content

• Residual DMSO

• Nonvolatile residue

• Packaging

• Batch consistency

Industrial grade should not automatically be used in food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical or personal-care products.

Synthesis or Reagent Grade

Synthesis and laboratory grades are selected for research, analytical or controlled chemical processes.

These grades may include:

• GC assay

• FTIR identification

• Defined melting range

• Batch COA

• Analytical data

• Small-package availability

A reagent-grade product is not automatically qualified for human consumption or finished pharmaceutical production.

Qualified Nutrition Grade

MSM intended for food, dietary supplement or nutraceutical manufacturing generally requires more extensive controls than standard industrial material.

Depending on the market and customer specification, these may include:

• High chromatographic purity

• Residual DMSO limit

• Water content

• Heavy metals or elemental impurities

• Arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury

• Residue on ignition

• Particle-size distribution

• Bulk density

• Total aerobic microbial count

• Yeast and mold

• Specified pathogens

• Allergen, GMO or origin statements where applicable

• Food-safety or manufacturing-system documentation

A high assay by itself does not establish food or supplement compliance.

Personal-Care or Cosmetic Grade

Cosmetic-formulation use requires an appropriate impurity profile, microbiological quality and confirmation that the ingredient is permitted for the intended product and target market.

The formulator remains responsible for:

• Regional regulatory review

• Finished-product safety assessment

• Formula compatibility

• Preservative strategy

• Stability testing

• Labeling

• Permitted claims

Reference or Analytical Standard

Certified or highly characterized material may be required for chromatography, instrument calibration, forensic analysis and method validation.

These products require documentation beyond an ordinary commercial COA and are normally supplied in small quantities.

Typical Dimethyl Sulfone Specifications

The following is a general industrial or synthesis-grade framework. It should be replaced with AOZUN’s actual approved specification before publication as a guaranteed standard.

For qualified nutrition-related material, buyers may request a more detailed specification.

The specification, analytical method and acceptance limit should be agreed before ordering.

Which Dimethyl Sulfone Quality Parameters Matter Most?

MSM products can show similar assay values while differing in impurity profile, powder handling and regulatory suitability. Buyers should therefore compare the complete specification instead of selecting only by price or the number shown for purity.

Assay and Chromatographic Purity

Assay indicates how much dimethyl sulfone is present, but buyers should also check the analytical method.

GC assay, titration and other methods may not produce directly interchangeable results. If an application requires at least 99.9% chromatographic purity, that requirement should be written into the purchase specification.

Residual DMSO

Dimethyl sulfone is closely related to dimethyl sulfoxide, and residual DMSO can be an important quality parameter.

The acceptable limit depends on the intended grade and customer requirements. Buyers should confirm:

• The test method

• The reporting limit

• The maximum specification

• Whether DMSO is routinely shown on the COA

Water Content

Moisture can affect powder flow, storage behavior, blending accuracy and analytical results.

The buyer should confirm whether water is measured by Karl Fischer titration, loss on drying or another validated method.

Melting Range

The melting range supports identity and purity assessment. Commercial references commonly report a melting range around 107–112°C, but the exact acceptance interval should follow the agreed product specification.

A broad or shifted melting range may indicate impurities, a different test method or an unsuitable sample condition.

Particle Size

Particle size can affect:

• Dissolution speed

• Dry blending

• Dust generation

• Capsule or tablet filling

• Mixing uniformity

• Bulk density

• Packaging efficiency

Mesh size alone may not provide enough information for a critical process. Buyers can request sieve distribution or laser-diffraction data where appropriate.

Heavy Metals and Elemental Impurities

Qualified nutrition, cosmetic and pharmaceutical-related processes may require limits for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury or other elements.

The limits, analytical methods and applicable regulatory framework must be defined by the buyer. A generic “heavy metals” result may not be adequate for all markets.

Microbiological Quality

Microbial testing is normally relevant to qualified nutrition and personal-care grades, not every industrial batch.

Possible tests include:

• Total aerobic microbial count

• Yeast and mold

• Escherichia coli

• Salmonella

• Other market-specific organisms

Microbiological compliance cannot be inferred from chemical purity.

What Is Dimethyl Sulfone Used For?

Organic Synthesis and Chemical Intermediates

Dimethyl sulfone may be used as an organosulfur raw material or intermediate in specialty synthesis and research.

The correct grade depends on:

• Reaction sensitivity

• Required impurity profile

• Moisture tolerance

• Scale

• Downstream purification

• Regulatory status of the final product

Process suitability should be established through laboratory and pilot testing.

High-Temperature Solvent and Reaction Medium

Because dimethyl sulfone is solid at room temperature and melts above 100°C, it may serve as a polar medium in selected high-temperature reactions and research systems.

It is not a direct room-temperature substitute for liquid DMSO. Equipment materials, operating temperature, thermal stability and recovery must be assessed before use.

Electrochemical and Materials Research

High-purity dimethyl sulfone has been investigated in electrochemical, electrolyte and advanced-material systems.

These applications may require tight controls for:

• Water

• Ionic contaminants

• Metals

• Residual DMSO

• Nonvolatile residue

A nutrition-grade certificate does not automatically qualify a product for electronic or electrochemical use.

Nutraceutical and Dietary-Supplement Manufacturing

Qualified MSM is used as an ingredient in dietary-supplement and nutrition-product manufacturing in markets where the intended use is permitted.

The ingredient supplier and finished-product manufacturer must confirm:

• Grade suitability

• Applicable national regulations

• Permitted conditions of use

• Ingredient identity

• Labeling

• Claim compliance

• Finished-product testing

This page does not make disease-treatment, pain-relief or therapeutic claims.

Personal-Care Formulations

MSM may be evaluated for selected skin-care and hair-care formulations when a suitable grade is used.

The formulator should verify:

• Regional ingredient status

• Solubility in the proposed formula

• pH compatibility

• Crystal formation risk

• Preservation

• Stability

• Packaging compatibility

• Permitted cosmetic claims

Laboratory and Analytical Applications

Dimethyl sulfone is used in chemical research, spectral studies, analytical method development and reference-material applications.

Analytical reference standards should not be replaced with ordinary industrial powder unless the method specifically permits it.

Distilled MSM vs Crystallized MSM

Suppliers sometimes describe MSM as “distilled,” “crystallized” or “purified.” These terms describe parts of the production or purification process, but they do not by themselves prove that one commercial product is superior.

Buyers should evaluate measurable evidence, including:

• Assay and chromatographic purity

• Residual DMSO

• Individual impurities

• Total impurities

• Water

• Elemental impurities

• Residue on ignition

• Microbiological data

• Particle size

• Batch consistency

If a supplier makes a particular purification claim, request process confirmation and supporting quality data.

Dimethyl Sulfone vs DMSO

Dimethyl sulfone and dimethyl sulfoxide are related but different chemicals.

MSM is the more oxidized form. It should not be treated as another name, grade or solid form of DMSO.

How to Choose the Right Dimethyl Sulfone Grade

1. Define the Intended Use

State whether the material will be used for:

• Industrial synthesis

• Research

• Electrochemistry

• Personal care

• Dietary supplements

• Food applications

• Further pharmaceutical manufacturing

This determines which specifications and documents are required.

2. Specify the Required Purity Method

Instead of writing only “99%” or “99.9%,” identify:

• Test method

• Assay basis

• Chromatographic purity

• Individual impurity limits

• Total impurity limit

• Residual DMSO limit

3. Define Physical Powder Requirements

Include requirements for:

• Particle size or mesh

• Bulk density

• Flow characteristics

• Crystal or powder form

• Packaging size

These parameters can materially affect production efficiency.

4. Confirm Regulatory Suitability

For ingestible or cosmetic uses, ask for documentation relevant to the destination market.

A general statement such as “food grade” is not enough without a supporting specification, quality system and applicable compliance documents.

5. Review a Representative COA

A representative COA helps determine whether the supplier routinely tests the parameters important to the application.

Final release should be based on the COA for the delivered batch and the buyer’s own incoming-quality procedure.

What Does the FDA GRAS Notice for MSM Mean?

The FDA’s GRAS Notice Inventory includes GRN 229 for methylsulfonylmethane. FDA stated that it had no questions regarding the notifier’s GRAS conclusion for the specified ingredient, manufacturing information and intended conditions of use described in that notice.

This does not mean:

• Every MSM product is automatically FDA-approved.

• Every MSM manufacturing process is covered.

• Every food, beverage or supplement use is permitted.

• Any dosage or concentration is acceptable.

• Disease-treatment claims are authorized.

• The notice applies automatically outside the United States.

The FDA correspondence expressly states that its response is not an affirmation of GRAS status under 21 CFR 170.35. Manufacturers remain responsible for safety, intended use, labeling and regulatory compliance.

Packaging Options

AOZUN’s currently listed packaging options include:

• 25 kg cartons

• 25 kg or 50 lb kraft paper bags

• 1,000 kg bulk bags

Actual availability depends on grade, order quantity, liner requirements, destination and shipping conditions.

For qualified nutrition or personal-care grades, buyers should also confirm:

• Inner-liner material

• Food-contact suitability where applicable

• Tamper evidence

• Lot identification

• Pallet configuration

• Net-weight tolerance

• Contamination controls

Storage and Handling

Store dimethyl sulfone in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.

Recommended handling practices include:

• Keep packaging tightly closed.

• Protect the product from moisture and contamination.

• Avoid unnecessary dust generation.

• Use suitable local ventilation for bulk powder handling.

• Wear appropriate eye protection, gloves and work clothing.

• Keep away from incompatible strong oxidizing agents.

• Maintain good housekeeping around filling and blending equipment.

• Follow the current supplier SDS and workplace risk assessment.

Although dimethyl sulfone is not generally classified as hazardous under GHS based on available supplier data, ordinary industrial hygiene and powder-handling controls still apply.

Safety and Transport Information

Dimethyl sulfone is generally supplied as a white, water-soluble solid. Current supplier SDS information commonly lists it as not classified as hazardous under GHS.

However:

• Dust may irritate the eyes or respiratory tract.

• Thermal decomposition can produce irritating gases.

• Bulk powder handling should minimize airborne dust.

• Material should not be discharged into drains without authorization.

• Waste must be handled according to local regulations.

A current Thermo Fisher SDS lists dimethyl sulfone as not regulated for road, rail, IMDG or IATA transport. The classification for the actual product, mixture, package and destination should always be confirmed using the supplier’s latest SDS.

What Documents Should a Dimethyl Sulfone Supplier Provide?

Depending on the grade and market, buyers may request:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Safety Data Sheet

• Technical Data Sheet

• Approved product specification

• Manufacturing or origin statement

• Batch traceability

• Allergen statement

• GMO statement

• Residual-solvent statement

• Elemental-impurity data

• Microbiological results

• Shelf-life or retest information

• Packaging specification

• Regulatory or inventory statement

• Quality-system certificates

• Food-safety documentation where applicable

Not every document applies to every grade. Document requirements should be agreed during the quotation process.

Why Source Dimethyl Sulfone from AOZUN?

AOZUN supports international buyers requiring industrial and application-specific chemical supply.

Available services may include:

• Specification confirmation before quotation

• Representative COA review

• Industrial and qualified-grade discussions

• Particle-size selection

• Packaging coordination

• Sample availability

• Export documentation

• Batch traceability

• International logistics support

Final suitability must be confirmed by the buyer through specification review, process trials and regulatory assessment.

Information to Include in Your RFQ

For a more accurate quotation, provide:

1. Product name and CAS No. 67-71-0

2. Intended application

3. Required grade

4. Required assay and analytical method

5. Maximum residual DMSO

6. Water-content limit

7. Particle-size or mesh requirement

8. Heavy-metal or elemental-impurity limits

9. Microbiological requirements, if applicable

10. Required quantity

11. Packaging preference

12. Destination country and port

13. Required documentation

14. Whether a sample or representative COA is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dimethyl sulfone the same as MSM?

Yes. MSM is the common abbreviation for methylsulfonylmethane, another name for dimethyl sulfone.

What is the CAS number of dimethyl sulfone?

Its CAS number is 67-71-0.

Is dimethyl sulfone organic or inorganic?

It is an organic sulfone and organosulfur compound.

Is dimethyl sulfone a fine chemical or an intermediate?

It is commonly sold as a fine or specialty chemical. It can also function as an organic intermediate in synthesis applications.

Is MSM the same as DMSO?

No. MSM is dimethyl sulfone, while DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide. They have different CAS numbers, structures, physical forms and uses.

Is dimethyl sulfone soluble in water?

Yes. Dimethyl sulfone is water-soluble. Actual dissolution speed depends on particle size, temperature, concentration and mixing conditions.

What is the typical purity of commercial MSM?

Commercial products may be offered at ≥99.0% or higher, depending on grade. Qualified nutrition products frequently use tighter chromatographic-purity and impurity specifications, but the actual COA must be checked.

Does 99.9% purity mean the product is food grade?

No. Food or supplement suitability also depends on manufacturing controls, residual solvents, elemental impurities, microbiological quality, documentation and regional regulations.

Is MSM FDA-approved?

It is inaccurate to describe all MSM as FDA-approved. FDA issued a “no questions” response to a specific GRAS notice for specified conditions of use. That response is not blanket approval for every product or application.

Can industrial MSM be used in supplements?

Industrial material should not be used in ingestible products unless its manufacturing controls, specification, documentation and regulatory suitability have been properly qualified.

Is dimethyl sulfone regulated as dangerous goods?

A current supplier SDS lists it as not regulated for road, rail, IMDG and IATA transport. Buyers must still verify the current SDS for the supplied grade and destination.

What packaging is available?

AOZUN currently lists 25 kg cartons, 25 kg or 50 lb kraft paper bags and 1,000 kg bulk bags. Confirm the liner, net weight and availability in the quotation.

Request a Dimethyl Sulfone Quotation

Contact AOZUN for dimethyl sulfone, methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, CAS No. 67-71-0.

Please provide the intended application, purity, residual DMSO limit, particle size, quantity, packaging, destination and required documents. AOZUN can then confirm the available grade and commercial terms.