Carbon Disulfide: Chemistry and Applications
by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023
Carbon Disulfide (कार्बन डिसयुल्फाइड): Chemistry and Applications
Carbon disulfide (CS2) is an organic compound that is composed of carbon and sulfur. It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a sweet odor and broadly recognized industrial applications. CS2 is a hazardous material with a range of industrial and environmental effects. Therefore, its production and usage have been subjected to strict regulations.
(A) Synthesis of Carbon Disulfide
Carbon disulfide can be produced in several ways. The most commonly used methods of preparing CS2 include the reaction of activated charcoal with sulfur, typically inside of an autoclave. The temperature and pressure of the autoclave are maintained at 95 °C and 17–21 atm, respectively.
Another methods for the production of CS2 is the reaction of sulfur with certain organic compounds, such as carbonates and acids, in a continuous system.
(B) Physical and Chemical Properties of Carbon Disulfide
Chemical Formula : CS2
Molecular Weight : 76.14 g/mol
Melting Point : -111°C (-169.8°F)
Boiling Point : 46°C (114.8°F)
Flash Point : 6°C (42.8°F)
Vapor Density : 4.94 (Air = 1)
Vapor Pressure : 68 mmHg at 21°C (70°F)
Solubility in Water : Insoluble
Specific Gravity : 1.26
(C) Industrial Uses of Carbon Disulfide
Carbon disulfide has numerous industrial uses due to its numerous properties. One of the major uses of CS2 is as a precursor to elemental sulfur and elemental arsenic. It is also used in the synthesis of several compounds, such as polymers, thiocarbanates, and carbodiimides.
In addition, Carbon disulfide is used in the production of viscose rayon, xanthates, cellophane, and rubber chemicals. It is also utilized in the oil and gas industry as a solvent for waxes, gums, and resins.
Furthermore, Carbon disulfide is used for extracting heavy metals, such as copper, lead, zinc, and uranium, from sulfide ores. The compound is also used as a fumigant in a range of industrial and agricultural processes.
(D) Health Hazards of Carbon Disulfide
Carbon disulfide is thought to be a potential carcinogen and hazardous to human health when exposed to in large amounts. The compound can cause an excess of dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to wide range of health issues, including cognitive functions, movement disorders, and headaches.
It is believed that CS2 can be dangerous when absorbed through the skin or eyes, and inhalation of this compound can also be hazardous to health.
(E) Environmental Impact of Carbon Disulfide
Being a volatile organic compound, Carbon disulfide can be released into the atmosphere from various industries, such as the oil and gas sector. The compound is listed as one of the six priority pollutants in the United States and other countries due to its potential to cause significant environmental damage.
CS2 is also considered to be an ozone-depleting compound. Due to this classification, its production and emissions are strictly regulated in many countries.
(F) Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry also utilizes Carbon disulfide as an intermediate for the production of therapeutic agents. CS2 is used to synthesize the antiviral drug Lamivudine as well as drugs for the treatment of hypertension, arthritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
(G) The Bottom Line
To sum up, Carbon disulfide is a powerful organic compound that is used in a variety of industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Although the compound can be dangerous to humans and the environment, strict regulations are in place to ensure the safe handling and storage of CS2.
