What is dimethyl disulfide?

Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is a new pre-plant soil fumigant developed by Arkema worldwide for treating nematodes, weeds, and soil-borne plant pathogens.

DMDS is a ubiquitous natural product, common in the global sulfur cycle, and is detected as a metabolite in numerous biological processes. DMDS is not only malodorous but also very toxic for all organisms. It exerts a complex mode of action through mitochondria dysfunction and activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and greatly inhibits the cytochrome oxidase. The product is being evaluated in the United States and other countries under EUP. The properties of DMDS are similar to the properties of MITC. However, the behavior of DMDS in soil is not well documented. Recent research indicated that the half-life of DMDS in soil is two to three times greater than the half-life of MITC.

What foods are high in dimethyl sulfide?

Dimethyl disulfide is a natural product found in Solanum tuberosum, Allium ursinum, and other organisms with data available. When cooked, Beetroot, asparagus, cabbage, maize, and seafood produce dimethyl sulfide. Dimethyl sulfide is also produced by marine planktonic microorganisms such as the coccolithophores and so is one of the main components responsible for the characteristic odor of seawater aerosols, which make up a part of sea air.

What is DMDS used for in a refinery?

DMDS can be used as a passivation agent to reduce the layer of coke that forms within furnaces and improve the run length, yield, and life of furnaces.