WHY DMSO IS USED AS CONTROL

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is an organic compound with the formula (CH₃)₂SO. DMSO is a colorless, odorless liquid that is miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is produced on a large scale as a byproduct of paper production. DMSO has a wide range of applications, including as a solvent, a reaction medium, and a cryoprotectant.

DMSO as Control in Biological Experiments

DMSO is often used as a control in biological experiments. This is because DMSO is a known and well-characterized compound that has no known biological effects at low concentrations. This makes it an ideal compound to use as a negative control in experiments, as it can help to ensure that any observed effects are due to the experimental treatment rather than to some other factor, such as the solvent.

DMSO as a Solvent

DMSO is a versatile solvent that can be used to dissolve a wide range of compounds, including both polar and nonpolar compounds. This makes it a useful solvent for a variety of applications, including the synthesis of organic compounds, the purification of proteins, and the extraction of DNA and RNA from cells. DMSO is a good solvent for many organic compounds, and is frequently used for recrystallization.

DMSO as a Reaction Medium

DMSO is also a useful reaction medium. It is a good solvent for many reactions, and it can help to improve the efficiency of some reactions. For example, DMSO is often used as a reaction medium for the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones. The reaction between sodium hydride and ethyl benzoate in DMSO gives an aldol product.

DMSO as a Cryoprotectant

DMSO is a cryoprotectant, which means that it can help to protect cells from damage caused by freezing. This is because DMSO can help to maintain the hydration of cells during freezing, which can help to prevent the formation of ice crystals. DMSO is often used as a cryoprotectant for cells that are being stored in liquid nitrogen.

Other Applications of DMSO

In addition to its use as a control, solvent, reaction medium, and cryoprotectant, DMSO also has a number of other applications. For example, DMSO is used as a topical medication for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. DMSO is also used as an industrial solvent and a cleaning agent.

Conclusion

DMSO is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications. It is often used as a control in biological experiments, but it is also a useful solvent, reaction medium, cryoprotectant, and topical medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the safety considerations for using DMSO?

DMSO is generally considered to be safe for use, but it can cause skin irritation and eye damage. It is important to always wear gloves and eye protection when working with DMSO.

2. What are the different grades of DMSO?

There are three main grades of DMSO: technical grade, reagent grade, and pharmaceutical grade. Technical grade DMSO is the least pure and is often used for industrial applications. Reagent grade DMSO is more pure and is used for laboratory applications. Pharmaceutical grade DMSO is the purest form of DMSO and is used for medical applications.

3. How do I dispose of DMSO properly?

DMSO should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. In general, DMSO should be diluted with water and then flushed down the drain.

4. What are the alternatives to using DMSO?

There are a number of alternatives to using DMSO, including other solvents, such as ethanol and methanol, and other cryoprotectants, such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

5. Where can I buy DMSO?

DMSO can be purchased from a variety of sources, including chemical supply companies, laboratory supply companies, and online retailers.