Sulfur dichloride (SCl₂) is a chemical compound formed by combining sulfur and chlorine. It is used in various industries for manufacturing dyes, rubber, and pesticides.
| IUPAC Name | Sulfur dichloride |
| Molecular Formula | SCl₂ |
| CAS Number | 10545-99-0 |
| Synonyms | Chlorine monosulfide, Sulfurous chloride, Sulphur dichloride, Sulfur chloride, Dichlorosulfane |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Cl2S/c1-3-2 |
Sulfur Dichloride Properties
Sulfur Dichloride Formula
The formula of sulfur chloride is SCl₂. It represents the combination of one sulfur atom and two chlorine atoms. This chemical formula accurately reflects the composition and structure of the compound.
Sulfur Dichloride Molar Mass
The molar mass of sulfur chloride can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements. Sulfur has a molar mass of 32.06 g/mol, and chlorine has a molar mass of 35.45 g/mol. By summing the masses of two chlorine atoms and one sulfur atom, the molar mass of sulfur chloride is determined to be approximately 102.91 g/mol.
Sulfur Dichloride Boiling Point
Sulfur chloride has a boiling point of 138.8 °C (281.8 °F). This temperature indicates the point at which the liquid compound changes into a gaseous state under standard atmospheric pressure. It is important to consider the boiling point of sulfur chloride when handling or using it in various applications.
Sulfur Dichloride Melting Point
The melting point of sulfur chloride is -76.8 °C (-106.2 °F). This temperature represents the point at which the solid compound transitions into a liquid state. It is crucial to be aware of the melting point when working with sulfur chloride to ensure proper handling and storage.
Sulfur Dichloride Density g/mL
Sulfur chloride has a density of approximately 1.64 g/mL. The density value indicates the amount of mass per unit volume of the substance. This property is essential for understanding the behavior and characteristics of sulfur chloride in different contexts, such as during chemical reactions or when determining its suitability for specific applications.
Sulfur Dichloride Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of sulfur chloride is approximately 102.91 g/mol. It represents the total mass of one molecule of the compound, calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements. The molecular weight provides valuable information about the compound’s mass and allows for precise measurements in various chemical calculations.
Sulfur Dichloride Structure
The structure of sulfur chloride is best described as a bent or V-shaped molecule. It consists of a central sulfur atom bonded to two chlorine atoms. The arrangement of the atoms and their bonding angles contributes to the overall stability and reactivity of the compound.
Sulfur Dichloride Solubility
Sulfur chloride exhibits limited solubility in water. It is sparingly soluble and tends to form a cloudy solution when mixed with water. The compound’s solubility characteristics are important to consider when determining its compatibility with other substances and its behavior in different solvents.
| Appearance | Yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.64 g/mL |
| Color | Yellow |
| Odor | Pungent |
| Molar Mass | 102.91 g/mol |
| Density | 1.64 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -76.8 °C |
| Boiling Point | 138.8 °C |
| Flash Point | Not available |
| Water Solubility | Reacts |
| Solubility | Soluble in glacial acetic acid, benzene, bromine |
| Vapour Pressure | 35.4 mmHg |
| Vapour Density | 3.9 (air=1) |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Not available |
Sulfur Dichloride Safety and Hazards
Sulfur chloride poses several safety hazards and should be handled with caution. It is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Inhalation of its vapors can irritate the respiratory system and lead to coughing, difficulty breathing, and lung damage. It is also flammable and may ignite in the presence of certain substances. When working with sulfur chloride, appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection should be used. It is crucial to handle and store this compound in a well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials to prevent accidents and potential harm.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact, wear protective gear, work in well-ventilated areas |
| UN IDs | UN 1828 |
| HS Code | 2812.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive Substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic |
Sulfur Dichloride Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing sulfur chloride. One common approach involves the reaction between sulfur and chlorine gas. In this process, excess chlorine is present while heating sulfur to a specific temperature, usually around 200-250 °C (392-482 °F). The reaction proceeds to form sulfur chloride.
Another method involves the reaction between thionyl chloride (SOCl₂) and sulfur. Thionyl chloride acts as a source of chlorine, which reacts with sulfur to produce sulfur chloride. This reaction takes place at a relatively lower temperature compared to the direct sulfur-chlorine method.
The reaction between sulfuryl chloride (SO₂Cl₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) enables the preparation of sulfur chloride. This reaction occurs at elevated temperatures and yields sulfur chloride along with other byproducts.
To ensure the safety of the personnel involved, it is crucial to conduct the synthesis of sulfur chloride in well-equipped laboratories or industrial settings. Personnel should follow appropriate safety measures, including wearing protective gear and working in well-ventilated areas, due to the hazardous nature of the compound.
The choice of synthesis method depends on various factors, including the availability of starting materials, desired purity of the product, and specific application requirements. The selection of the appropriate technique relies on the specific needs of the process or application, as each method presents its own advantages and considerations.
Sulfur Dichloride Uses
Sulfur chloride (SCl₂) finds application in various industries and processes due to its specific properties. Here are some key uses of sulfur chloride:
- Manufacturing of dyes: Manufacturers utilize sulfur chloride to produce dyes, specifically sulfur dyes, which impart vibrant colors to fabrics in the textile industry.
- Rubber industry: The rubber industry employs SCl₂ as a vulcanizing agent to enhance the strength and elasticity of rubber products by cross-linking polymer chains.
- Pesticide synthesis: Sulfur chloride plays a crucial role in synthesizing certain pesticides, enabling the production of insecticides and fungicides known as organophosphorus and organothiophosphate compounds.
- Chemical synthesis: SCl₂ serves as a versatile reagent in various chemical reactions, allowing for chlorination reactions such as converting alcohols to alkyl chlorides or synthesizing chlorinated organic compounds.
- Laboratory reagent: Laboratories use sulfur chloride as a reagent for multiple applications, including organic synthesis, sulfur chemistry, and inorganic reactions.
- Water treatment: Water treatment processes employ SCl₂ as a disinfectant and oxidizing agent to eliminate harmful microorganisms and organic pollutants from water sources.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Sulfur chloride finds application in pharmaceutical research and development, specifically in synthesizing certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Chemical analysis: Analytical chemistry techniques, such as gas chromatography, utilize SCl₂ to detect and analyze specific compounds.
These diverse applications highlight the significance of sulfur chloride in various industrial processes and scientific endeavors. However, it is important to handle and use sulfur chloride with care, adhering to appropriate safety guidelines and procedures due to its hazardous nature.
Questions:
Q: What is the formula for sulfur dichloride?
A: The formula for sulfur chloride is SCl₂.
Q: Which formula represents the molecular compound sulfur dichloride?
A: The molecular compound sulfur chloride is represented by the formula SCl₂.
Q: Is sulfur dichloride polar?
A: Yes, sulfur chloride is polar due to the presence of a bent molecular geometry and the unequal distribution of electron density.
Q: What atomic or hybrid orbitals make up the sigma bond between S and Cl in sulfur dichloride, SCl₂?
A: The sigma bond between sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl) in sulfur chloride (SCl₂) is formed by the overlap of the 3p orbital of sulfur and the 3p orbital of chlorine.
Q: Is SCl₂ linear?
A: No, sulfur chloride (SCl₂) is not linear. It has a bent or V-shaped molecular geometry.
Q: Which of the following is an ionic compound? Cl₂O, CH₂O, SCl₂, PF₅, Mg₃(PO₄)₂.
A: None of the compounds listed are ionic compounds. They are either molecular compounds (Cl₂O, CH₂O, SCl₂, PF₅) or an inorganic phosphate compound (Mg₃(PO₄)₂).
Q: What is the name of the compound with the formula SCl₂?
A: The compound with the formula SCl₂ is called sulfur chloride.
Q: What shape is SCl₂?
A: SCl₂ has a bent or V-shaped molecular shape.
Q: What is the molecular geometry of SCl₂?
A: The molecular geometry of SCl₂ is bent or V-shaped.
Q: What is the name of the hybrid orbitals used by sulfur in SCl₂?
A: The sulfur atom in SCl₂ utilizes sp² hybrid orbitals.
Q: What happens when an atom of sulfur combines with two atoms of chlorine to produce SCl₂?
A: When an atom of sulfur combines with two atoms of chlorine, it forms the compound SCl₂, known as sulfur chloride. The sulfur atom shares electrons with the chlorine atoms to create a covalent bond between them.