Dimethyl disulfide (CAS 624-92-0) — Spicy Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dimethyl disulfide
CAS 624-92-0
What Is Dimethyl disulfide?
Dimethyl disulfide is a sulfur-containing compound often encountered in industrial settings and some natural sources like certain vegetables and microorganisms. It matters because it contributes to the characteristic smell of cooked cabbage, onions, and some cheeses, but must be used carefully due to its potent aroma.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Dimethyl disulfide Smell Like?
Dimethyl disulfide has a sharp, pungent odor reminiscent of rotting vegetables or garlic. Initially overpowering, it evolves into a sulfurous, slightly sweet undertone. In dry-down, it leaves a lingering, earthy note that can enhance meaty or savory accords.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to create a visceral, animalic edge that challenges conventional beauty norms.
Adds a subtle sulfurous nuance to the vanilla-civet accord.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CSSC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Dimethyl disulfide is an organic disulfide with the formula (CH3)2S2. It is produced industrially by the reaction of methyl mercaptan with sulfur. The molecule is planar with a dihedral angle of 90° between the two CH3-S-S planes. It is a key intermediate in the synthesis of other sulfur-containing compounds.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 109 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.062 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 15 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Used for animalic or savory effects |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.001-0.01% | Up to 0.1% | Masking agent in industrial products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or less before incorporating into a blend.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Even more potent, used when extreme sulfury effects are desired.
Less volatile alternative for longer-lasting sulfur notes.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated dimethyl disulfide and recommends safe use levels based on application.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical sources. No significant environmental concerns at typical usage levels, but production requires careful handling due to sulfur content.
Explore Dimethyl disulfide
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- PubChem: Dimethyl disulfide CID 12232
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 624-92-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 94.2 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.8🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 109.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 28.6 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 24.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 3.1759💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.997💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CSSC🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very fast💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | cabbageonion• leffingwell |
| “Very slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils. Intensely onionlike, very diffusive odor. Non-lachrymatory.”📖 Arctander | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Finds use in flavor compositions, almost exclusively those of Onion or Cabbage-type. It serves as part of the flavor for "reconstitu- tion" of natural flavor lost during processing of the consumer product.”📖 Arctander |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.0118 ppm (n=11)📖 van Gemert |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4025117
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 94.19 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.062 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 109.606 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -84.926 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 19.574 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.522 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 89.488 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.789 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.863 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.863 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.35 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.034 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0.001 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 27.67 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Surface Tension | 30.924 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 0 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 27.309 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 10.826 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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