MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

Methylsulfonylmethane is dimethyl sulfone (CAS 67-71-0, EC 200-665-9), the fully oxidised sulfone of dimethyl sulfoxide and the simplest organosulfur compound used at nutritional scale. It is a white, odourless crystalline solid of molecular formula C2H6O2S and molar mass 94.13 g/mol, melting at roughly 107-110 degrees C and freely soluble in water at about 187 g/L at 30 degrees C. Commercial material is made by oxidising DMSO with hydrogen peroxide and then purifying either by multi-stage distillation or by crystallisation. The molecule is identical either way, but distilled grades typically carry the tightest residual-DMSO and odour profile, which matters in unflavoured powders and beverages. MSM occurs naturally at trace levels in the marine sulfur cycle and in foods such as milk, coffee and green vegetables, but dietary intake sits far below formulation levels, so commercial supply is synthesised. Thovek supplies MSM at not less than 99.9% chromatographic purity with residual DMSO not more than 0.1%, any single impurity not more than 0.05%, water by Karl Fischer not more than 0.10% and residue on ignition not more than 0.10%. Water is determined by Karl Fischer rather than by loss on drying because MSM volatilises on heating and a moisture balance overstates the figure. Mesh cuts run from coarse granular (10-40) for stick packs and effervescents, through regular (40-80), to fine powder (80-200) for direct compression and capsule filling; bulk density above 0.65 g/mL keeps capsule fill weights predictable. The powder cakes if it is warm and damp, so it ships in lined drums and should be conditioned to room temperature before an air-conditioned blending room is opened up to it. MSM is wholly synthetic and contains no animal, dairy, soy, gluten or nut material, so it is straightforward to declare on vegan and allergen-free labels. In the United States a third-party manufacturer holds a GRAS notification for MSM in defined food categories (GRN 000229, FDA no-questions letter of February 2008); that notice covers the notifier's own article and does not transfer, so buyers taking MSM into conventional foods rather than supplements should make their own determination. In other markets, confirm the status of MSM in food supplements with the competent authority before launch. Every lot ships against a batch certificate of analysis covering assay, chromatographic purity, residual DMSO, heavy metals and full microbiology, with SDS, allergen, non-GMO and manufacturing-route statements alongside.