solvent) are produced from lignosulfonates. The first step involves heating lignosulfonates with sulfides or elemental sulfur to produce dimethyl sulfide. The methyl groups come from methyl ethers present in the lignin. Oxidation of dimethyl sulfide with nitrogen dioxide produces dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Other uses The anti-oxidant effect of lignosulfonates is utilized in feeds, ensilage and flame retardants. The UV absorbance of lignosulfonates is utilized in sun screens and bio-pesticides. Lignosulfonate are used in agriculture as an analogue of humic substances. As a soil conditioner, it is mainly used to enhance the absorption and retention of fertilizers and other nutrients. It is able to chelate minerals while remaining bio-degradable, an improvement compared to EDTA. Further hydrolysis and oxidation produces a product even more similar to humus, marketed as "lignohumate". References See also Sodium lignosulfonate Papermaking Petroleum production Organic polymers Polyelectrolytes Concrete admixtures