Carbon disulfide (data page)
Carbon disulfide (CS₂) is a colorless (impure samples can appear yellow), volatile liquid with an ether-like odor (often masked by the foul-smelling impurities it contains). It is a highly flammable solvent used in various industrial processes. The "data page" designation signifies that this entry focuses on providing key chemical and physical data related to the compound.
Properties
- Chemical Formula: CS₂
- Molar Mass: 76.14 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless liquid (pure); Yellow liquid (impure)
- Odor: Ether-like (pure); Foul-smelling (impure)
- Density: 1.263 g/cm³ (20 °C)
- Melting Point: -111.6 °C
- Boiling Point: 46.3 °C
- Solubility in water: Slightly soluble (0.2 g/100 mL at 20 °C)
- Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, benzene, chloroform, ether, and oils.
- Vapor Pressure: 400 mmHg (at 25.9 °C)
- Refractive Index (nD): 1.6246 (20 °C)
- Viscosity: 0.363 cP at 20 °C
Safety and Hazards
- Flammability: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Autoignition Temperature: 90 °C
- Flash Point: -30 °C (closed cup)
- Exposure Hazards: Toxic by inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Can cause central nervous system depression, liver damage, and kidney damage.
- NFPA 704:
- Health: 2
- Flammability: 3
- Reactivity: 0
Production and Uses
Carbon disulfide is produced industrially by the reaction of methane with sulfur at high temperatures in the presence of a silica gel catalyst. It was historically produced by reacting charcoal with sulfur.
Its primary uses include:
- Solvent: Used as a solvent for fats, oils, waxes, resins, and rubber.
- Manufacture of Rayon: A key intermediate in the production of viscose rayon.
- Rubber Production: Used in the vulcanization of rubber.
- Agricultural Chemicals: Used in the production of certain pesticides and herbicides.
Reactivity
Carbon disulfide is susceptible to reaction with strong oxidizers, strong bases, and amines. It readily forms adducts with various chemical species. It undergoes reactions with metal oxides to form metal sulfides and carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
Note: This data page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a comprehensive safety or handling guide. Refer to a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information before handling carbon disulfide.