Dimethyl sulphoxide is a colorless liquid that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds. It is used as a solvent for chemical reactions involving salts. It is also extensively used as an extractant in biochemistry and cell biology.
Less toxic than other members of this class, such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and HMPA. It is used in medicines, food, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.