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🥼organic chemistry review

DMSO-d6

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

DMSO-d6, or deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide, is a deuterated solvent commonly used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It is a stable, non-reactive solvent that provides a stable environment for analyzing chemical samples using 1H NMR and 13C NMR techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. DMSO-d6 is commonly used as a solvent in 1H NMR spectroscopy due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds and its relatively simple 1H NMR spectrum.
  2. The deuterium atoms in DMSO-d6 replace the hydrogen atoms, resulting in a simplified 1H NMR spectrum that does not interfere with the signals from the analyte.
  3. DMSO-d6 is also widely used in 13C NMR spectroscopy because it provides a stable, non-reactive environment for analyzing carbon-containing compounds.
  4. The use of DMSO-d6 in 13C NMR spectroscopy allows for the observation of carbon signals without interference from the solvent, enabling the identification of carbon-based functional groups and structural features.
  5. DMSO-d6 has a relatively high boiling point and low toxicity, making it a suitable solvent for a variety of NMR applications, including temperature-dependent studies and biological samples.

Review Questions

  • Explain how the use of DMSO-d6 as a solvent can improve the quality of 1H NMR spectra.
    • The use of DMSO-d6 as a solvent in 1H NMR spectroscopy can improve the quality of the spectra by simplifying the signals observed. The deuterium atoms in DMSO-d6 replace the hydrogen atoms, resulting in a reduced number of signals in the 1H NMR spectrum. This allows for better resolution and identification of the analyte's hydrogen signals, as the solvent signals do not interfere with the analysis. Additionally, DMSO-d6 is a relatively inert solvent, providing a stable environment for the sample and minimizing potential interactions that could complicate the spectrum.
  • Describe how the use of DMSO-d6 as a solvent can facilitate the analysis of carbon-containing compounds in 13C NMR spectroscopy.
    • The use of DMSO-d6 as a solvent in 13C NMR spectroscopy is beneficial because it allows for the observation of carbon signals without interference from the solvent. The deuterium atoms in DMSO-d6 do not contribute to the 13C NMR spectrum, providing a clean background for the analysis of the analyte's carbon-based functional groups and structural features. This enables researchers to more accurately identify and characterize the carbon-containing compounds in their samples, which is crucial for structural elucidation and understanding the chemical properties of the compounds under investigation.
  • Evaluate the advantages and potential limitations of using DMSO-d6 as a solvent in NMR spectroscopy compared to other deuterated solvents.
    • The use of DMSO-d6 as a solvent in NMR spectroscopy offers several advantages, including its ability to dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, its relatively simple 1H NMR spectrum, and its stability in both 1H and 13C NMR analyses. Additionally, DMSO-d6 has a high boiling point and low toxicity, making it suitable for a variety of NMR applications. However, potential limitations may include its high viscosity, which can affect the resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in some cases, and its potential reactivity with certain functional groups. Compared to other deuterated solvents, DMSO-d6 may provide a better balance of solubility, stability, and ease of use for many NMR spectroscopy applications, but the choice of solvent ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the analysis and the properties of the analyte.