Carbon Disulfide
Carbon Disulfide (CS₂) is a volatile, flammable, and highly toxic organic solvent composed of carbon and sulfur. At 99% purity, it is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a pungent, sweet, ether-like odor. Carbon Disulfide is produced primarily by the reaction of carbon (charcoal) with sulfur vapors at high temperatures. Due to its excellent solvent properties and reactivity, it is used across multiple industries, including the production of rayon, cellophane, rubber chemicals, and pesticides. Despite its utility, Carbon Disulfide requires careful handling because of its toxicity, flammability, and environmental hazards.
Carbon Disulfide
Primary Uses
- Chemical Industry
- Intermediate in Viscose Rayon & Cellophane Production: Used to convert alkali cellulose into cellulose xanthate.
- Production of Carbon Tetrachloride and other sulfur-containing organic chemicals.
- Reagent in Synthesis of Rubber Accelerators, pesticides, and flotation agents.
- Rubber & Tire Industry
- Used as a solvent and chemical intermediate in the manufacture of vulcanization accelerators and antioxidants.
- Mining & Metallurgy
- Ore Flotation Agent: Used in mineral processing to separate valuable minerals from ore.
- Assists in the recovery of precious metals via flotation processes.
- Pharmaceuticals & Agrochemicals
- Raw material for the synthesis of fungicides (e.g., dithiocarbamates), pesticides, and soil fumigants.
- Laboratory Use
- Used as a non-polar solvent for fats, resins, sulfur, iodine, and phosphorus.
- Employed in organic synthesis for creating sulfur-containing compounds.
Secondary Uses
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Used in petrochemical analysis and as a component in specialty extraction processes.
- Explosives
- Occasionally used in controlled formulations of explosives and pyrotechnics.
- Perfumes & Fragrance
- Historically used in perfume formulations due to its volatility (rare today due to toxicity).
- Microelectronics
- Explored as a sulfurizing agent in the production of semiconductors and solar cell precursors.
- Entomology/Fumigation (Historic Use)
- Formerly used as a fumigant and insecticide (now mostly obsolete due to health risks).
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Carbon disulfide
- Common/Trade Name: Carbon Disulfide
- CAS Number: 75-15-0
- HS Code: 2903.13.00
- Molecular Formula: CS₂
- Molecular Weight: 76.14 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Carbon bisulfide
- Dithiocarbonic anhydride
- CS₂
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Liquid
- Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; sweet, ether-like odor
- Melting Point: -111.5°C
- Boiling Point: 46.3°C
- Density: 1.263 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Vapor Pressure: 352 mmHg at 25°C
- Flash Point: -30°C (closed cup)
- Autoignition Temperature: ~100°C
- Explosion Limits: 1.3–50% (v/v in air)
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in ethanol, ether, benzene, and chloroform
- Stability: Stable under inert conditions; sensitive to light, air, and heat
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Flammable Liquid (Category 2)
- Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation, Dermal – Categories 3, 2, 2)
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Repeated Exposure) – Category 1
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 4
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 20 ppm (skin)
- ACGIH TLV: 1 ppm (TWA), 3 ppm (STEL)
- Toxicity:
- Highly toxic via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure
- Affects central nervous system, liver, kidneys, and reproductive system
- Reactivity: Reactive with strong oxidizers and bases; forms explosive mixtures with air
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in cool, well-ventilated areas away from sunlight and ignition sources
- Keep under inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) in tightly sealed containers
- Container Type: Stainless steel drums or specially lined carbon steel containers
- Shelf Life: 1–2 years under proper conditions
- Special Handling:
- Use only with proper ventilation and explosion-proof equipment
- Ground and bond containers during transfer to prevent static discharge
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Not approved for direct food or pharmaceutical use
- REACH Status: Registered
- IARC Classification: Group 3 (not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans)
- Transportation:
- UN Number: UN1131
- Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquid)
- Packing Group: I (high danger)
- Waste Disposal:
- Dispose of as hazardous waste
- Use incineration or chemical treatment under controlled conditions
- Follow local, national, and international regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects
- Persistence: Moderately persistent in air; degrades by photolysis and oxidation
- Bioaccumulation: Low potential
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not conclusively identified as carcinogenic; may cause mutagenic effects at high exposures
- Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable; more persistent in anaerobic environments
Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl rubber)
- Full-face respirator with organic vapor cartridge
- Chemical splash goggles or face shield
- Flame-resistant lab coat or protective suit
Handling Measures:
- Handle only in fume hoods or explosion-proof environments
- Avoid breathing vapors or skin contact
- Use spark-proof tools and non-sparking equipment
Storage Measures:
- Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames
- Segregate from oxidizing agents and strong bases
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash thoroughly after handling
- Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke near storage or usage areas
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Seek emergency medical attention.
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and water. Seek medical help for irritation or burns.
- Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15–20 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Extremely flammable; forms explosive mixtures with air
- Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO₂), foam; do not use water directly
- Special Precautions:
- Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and chemical-resistant gear
- Use water spray to cool surrounding containers
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon dioxide (CO₂)
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