Dimethyl sulfide
Dimethyl sulfide or methylthiomethane is a
sulfur containing
organic chemical compound with formula: 2S. Dimethyl sulfide in concentrated liquid form is a flammable and insoluble with a boiling point of 37?C and a disagreeable odor. In vapor form it is produced by cooking of certain vegetables, notably corn and cabbage, and seafoods. It is also an indication of
bacterial infection in
malt production and
brewing. It is a breakdown product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate , and is also produced by the bacterial metabolism of
methanethiol.
Encyclopedia
Dimethyl sulfide or methylthiomethane is a
sulfur containing
organic chemical compound with formula:
2S. Dimethyl sulfide in concentrated liquid form is a flammable and insoluble with a boiling point of 37°C and a disagreeable odor. In vapor form it is produced by cooking of certain vegetables, notably corn and cabbage, and seafoods. It is also an indication of
bacterial infection in
malt production and
brewing. It is a breakdown product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate , and is also produced by the bacterial metabolism of
methanethiol.
Natural Sources and link with Climate
DMS is the most abundant single biological sulfur compound emitted to the
atmosphere. Emission occurs over the
oceans by
phytoplankton. These atmospheric DMS
aerosol particles or droplets are oxidized to
sulfuric acid and act as
cloud condensation nuclei. Through this interaction with
cloud formation, the massive production of atmospheric DMS over the oceans may have a significant impact on the Earth's
climate.
Recent research suggests that marine bacteria are reducing the amount of this important climate cooling gas given off from our seas.
Industrial uses
In industry it is used in
petroleum refining and in petrochemical production processes to control the formation of coke and
carbon monoxide. In addition it is used to control dusting in steel mills. It is also used in a range of organic syntheses. It also has a use as a food flavoring component. It can also be oxidized by natural or artificial means to
dimethyl sulfoxide, , which has several important solvent properties.
The largest single commercial producer of DMS in the world is Gaylord Chemical Corporation, which is a significant economic component of the paper industry of
Bogalusa, Louisiana.
See also
External links
