MOLECULE

Dimethylsulfide

Dimethylsulfide, also known as methyl thioether or 2-thiapropane, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as dialkylthioethers. These are organosulfur compounds containing a thioether group that is substituted by two alkyl groups. Dimethylsulfide is a sulfur containing organic chemical compound with a disagreeable odor. It is produced in its vapor form while cooking certain vegetables, notably corn, cabbage, and seafood. It is also an indication of bacterial infection in malt production and brewing. Dimethylsulfide is a breakdown product of dimethylsulfoniopropionate and is also produced by the bacterial metabolism of methanethiol. Dimethylsulfide flammable liquid with a boiling point of 37 °C. It can also be found as a microbial metabolite from bacteria from the genera Bradyrhizobium, Cyanothece, Escherichia, Pseudomonas and Rhizobiaceae (PMID: 25807229). Dimethylsulfide is the most abundant biological sulfur compound emitted to the atmosphere. Emission occurs over the oceans by phytoplankton. Dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide have been found among the volatiles given off by the fly-attracting plant known as dead-horse arum (Helicodiceros muscivorus). Dimethyl sulfide has also been detected in the volatile fraction of Cannabis sativa samples obtained from police seizures (PMID: 26657499).