Arkema announces its new DMSO website at www.arkema.com/dmso

11/24/2009    Press Release

Arkema has updated its DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) website www.arkema.com/dmso, specifically designed for users of solvents classified as hazardous who wish to replace them in their formulations with DMSO, a solvent which is not classified as hazardous to human health or the environment.

Arkema’s new website provides (eco)toxicological, technical and regulatory data about DMSO which users may need, together with a comprehensive FAQ section. Visitors to the site can contact engineers from Arkema’s research centers who will be pleased to provide customized support to help them adapt their formulations in their search for a replacement solution.

DMSO is already used extensively as a polar aprotic solvent in pharmaceutical synthesis, agrochemical formulations, electronics (photoresist stripping and cleaning), polymer applications, and paint stripping. It now offers an excellent alternative to other solvents classified as hazardous.

Arkema’s DMSO is actually the sustainable reference solution to replace solvents classified as hazardous to human health (Reprotoxic Category 2; R61), such as dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethyl acetamide (DMAC), and N-methyl pyrrolidone  (NMP). DMSO is also an excellent alternative to methylene chloride in stripping products.

In April 2008 OECD experts concluded that DMSO did not represent a significant hazard for human health or the environment. These conclusions are in accordance with the absence of DMSO classification as a hazardous material based on European regulations criteria.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports sales of 5.6 billion euros. Arkema has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.