Dimethyl sulfide

Dimethyl sulfide is the organosulfur compound (CH₃)₂S, a volatile liquid with a characteristic odor. Marine organisms produce it, making it a major natural source of sulfur in the atmosphere.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate: Dimethylsulfoniopropionate is a sulfur-containing compound made by many marine algae and other organisms. Marine microbes break it down to release dimethyl sulfide.
Kraft process: The Kraft process is a chemical pulping method that separates cellulose fibers from wood using alkaline cooking liquor. Dimethyl sulfide can arise as a volatile by-product in Kraft pulp mills.
Rhodophyta: Rhodophyta is the red-algal lineage, a diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotes found mostly in marine environments. Some red algae produce dimethylsulfoniopropionate, a precursor to dimethyl sulfide.
Marine aerosol: Marine aerosol is airborne particulate matter produced from ocean spray and atmospheric processes over the sea. Dimethyl sulfide oxidation supplies particles and sulfate that become part of marine aerosol.
Dimethyl sulfide lyase: Dimethyl sulfide lyase is an enzyme that cleaves dimethylsulfoniopropionate to form dimethyl sulfide and acrylate. This enzyme provides one direct biological route from the algal precursor to dimethyl sulfide.
Gas chromatography: Gas chromatography separates volatile compounds in a mixture as they travel through a column. It is commonly used to measure dimethyl sulfide in air, seawater, and biological samples.
Emiliania huxleyi: Emiliania huxleyi is a widespread marine coccolithophore that forms calcium-carbonate plates. This bloom-forming alga produces dimethylsulfoniopropionate and can influence dimethyl sulfide emissions.
Cloud condensation nuclei: Cloud condensation nuclei are aerosol particles on which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. Dimethyl sulfide-derived sulfate can contribute particles capable of serving as cloud seeds.
Dimethyl sulfoxide: Dimethyl sulfoxide is a polar organosulfur compound with formula (CH₃)₂SO. Atmospheric oxidation converts dimethyl sulfide into dimethyl sulfoxide and other sulfur products.
Marine biogeochemistry: Marine biogeochemistry studies the transformations and circulation of chemical elements in ocean systems. Dimethyl sulfide links biological sulfur cycling in the ocean to atmospheric sulfur.

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