Dimethyl sulfite is a sulfite ester with the chemical formula (CH<sub>3</sub>O)<sub>2</sub>SO.

Dimethyl sulfite is used as an additive in some polymers to prevent oxidation. It is also a potentially useful high energy battery electrolyte solvent.

Structure and conformation

The dimethyl sulfite molecule can adopt several conformations. The most stable is the GG conformer. The reaction can be catalyzed by tertiary amine bases and likely proceeds via the chlorosulfinate (MeOS(O)Cl), this intermediate will exist only fleetingly in the presence of methanol and as such its decomposition to methyl chloride and sulfur dioxide (via the slower SNi mechanism) is not observed to any great extent.

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See also

  • Methyl methanesulfonate, chemical isomer
  • Diethyl sulfite, a similar sulfite ester
  • Dimethyl sulfoxide
  • Dimethyl sulfate, a sulfate ester

References

  • WebBook page for C2H6SO3