Abstract
Extensive thermal analysis has shown that DMSO-containing reaction mixtures can be more energetic and decompose at lower temperatures than pure DMSO. Several processes at Merck using DMSO as a solvent were found to have the onset temperatures of decompositions reduced to the point where it became a thermal and operational hazard. The onset temperature depended on the reagents in the reaction mixture and the thermal history of the mixture. The case studies presented in this paper will include discussion on what process hazards were identified, how the process hazards differ from the pure DMSO hazards, and how to scale up these processes safely.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
J Hall (1993) Loss Prevention Bull. 114 9
L Bretherick et al. (1999) Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, 6th Ed. Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. London 336
TA Instruments, Inc., 109 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE.
Fauske and Associates, Inc., 16 West 83rd Street, Burr Ridge, Illinois.
TIAX, LLC, Acorn Park, Cambridge, MA.
LD Tuma (1992) Thermochim. Acta 212 179 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXis1Wrsbw%3D Occurrence Handle10.1016/0040-6031(92)80233-M
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lam, T.T., Vickery, T. & Tuma, L. Thermal hazards and safe scale-up of reactions containing dimethyl sulfoxide. J Therm Anal Calorim 85, 25–30 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-005-7338-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-005-7338-8