Dimethyl disulfide
chemical compound
Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula CH3SSCH3. It is a flammable liquid with an unpleasant, garlic-like odor resembling that of "leaking gas". The compound is colorless, although impure samples often appear yellowish.
Occurrence and synthesis
Dimethyl disulfide is widespread in nature. It is emitted by bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Along with dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, it has been confirmed as volatile compounds given off by the fly-attracting plant known as dead-horse arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus). These flies are attracted to the odor resembling that of fetid meat, and thus help pollinate this plant. The James Webb Space Telescope has possibly detected evidence of DMDS in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18b.
DMDS can be produced by the oxidation of methanethiol, e.g. with iodine:
2 CH3SH + I2 → CH3SSCH3 + 2 HI
Chemical reactions
Important reactions include chlorination giving methanesulfenyl chloride (CH3SCl), methanesulfinyl chloride (CH3S(O)Cl), and methanesulfonyl chloride (CH3SO2Cl) as well as oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid giving the thiosulfinate compound, methyl methanethiosulfinate (CH3S(O)SCH3).
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