Carbon disulfide is a volatile chemical compound, formed by combining carbon and sulfur. It’s used in industrial processes, solvents, and the manufacturing of rayon fibers.
| IUPAC Name | Carbon Disulfide |
| Molecular Formula | CS2 |
| CAS Number | 75-15-0 |
| Synonyms | Carbon Bisulfide, Dithiocarb, Carbon disulphide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CS2/c2-1-3 |
Carbon Disulfide Properties
Carbon Disulfide Formula
The chemical formula of carbon bisulfide is CS2. It consists of one carbon atom and two sulfur atoms, bonded together in a linear arrangement. This simple formula is essential in understanding the basic composition of the compound.
Carbon Disulfide Molar Mass
Carbon bisulfide’s molar mass is approximately 76.14 g/mol. To calculate this, we add the atomic masses of one carbon atom (12.01 g/mol) and two sulfur atoms (32.06 g/mol each). Knowing the molar mass helps in various chemical calculations.
Carbon Disulfide Boiling Point
Carbon bisulfide has a relatively low boiling point of around 46.3°C (115.3°F). This property makes it volatile and easily vaporizable. Its low boiling point is significant in industrial processes and applications requiring rapid evaporation.
Carbon Disulfide Melting Point
The melting point of carbon bisulfide is about -110.8°C (-187.4°F). It remains in a solid state at temperatures below this point and transitions into a liquid state when heated. Understanding its melting point is crucial in handling and storage.
Carbon Disulfide Density g/mL
The density of carbon bisulfide is approximately 1.26 g/mL at room temperature. This value signifies its mass per unit volume. Being denser than water, it will sink when mixed, and the density impacts its solubility in various solvents.
Carbon Disulfide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of carbon bisulfide is approximately 76.14 g/mol, as calculated from its chemical formula. This value plays a vital role in stoichiometry and determining the amount of the compound in chemical reactions.
Carbon Disulfide Structure
Carbon bisulfide has a linear molecular structure, with the carbon atom in the center and sulfur atoms on either side. This simple arrangement is crucial for understanding its chemical behavior and interactions with other substances.
Carbon Disulfide Solubility
Carbon bisulfide is sparingly soluble in water, with only about 0.2 g per 100 mL of water at room temperature. However, it is highly soluble in organic solvents such as benzene and ethanol. This solubility behavior is essential for various applications in chemistry and industry.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.26 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pungent, sweet aroma |
| Molar Mass | 76.14 g/mol |
| Density | 1.26 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -110.8°C (-187.4°F) |
| Boiling Point | 46.3°C (115.3°F) |
| Flash Point | -30°C (-22°F) |
| Water Solubility | 0.2 g/100 mL (20°C) |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents like benzene and ethanol |
| Vapor Pressure | 318 mmHg (20°C) |
| Vapor Density | 2.62 (air = 1) |
| pKa | ~ -2 |
| pH | Neutral (pH 7) |
Carbon Disulfide Safety and Hazards
Carbon bisulfide poses significant safety hazards. It is highly flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures in the air. Prolonged exposure may cause dizziness, headaches, and even unconsciousness. It is also harmful to aquatic life and the environment. Proper ventilation, personal protective equipment, and fire-resistant storage are crucial to minimize risks. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, as it can cause irritation and damage. Handling should occur in well-controlled environments, and spills must be contained promptly. Understanding and adhering to safety guidelines are essential to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment when dealing with carbon bisulfide.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable, Harmful |
| Safety Description | Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Causes skin and eye irritation. |
| UN IDs | UN1131 |
| HS Code | 2813.10.1000 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquids) |
| Packing Group | II (Medium danger) |
| Toxicity | Moderate toxicity |
Carbon Disulfide Synthesis Methods
Several active methods enable the synthesis of carbon bisulfide.
One common method involves the reaction of sulfur with methane or natural gas at high temperatures, yielding CS2 as a product.
Another approach is the reaction of sulfur vapor with hot charcoal. Additionally, the combination of carbon monoxide and sulfur vapor over a catalyst can also produce carbon bisulfide.
Furthermore, the direct synthesis of CS2 can occur when carbon reacts with sulfur vapor at elevated temperatures. In laboratory settings, chemists employ the reaction between potassium xanthate and sulfuric acid for smaller-scale production of carbon bisulfide.
Each method requires appropriate safety measures due to the highly flammable and toxic nature of carbon bisulfide. The versatility of these synthesis methods allows for various industrial applications, including use as a solvent, raw material in chemical processes, and in the manufacture of rayon fibers.
Carbon Disulfide Uses
Carbon bisulfide finds various applications due to its versatile properties. Here are some of its uses:
- Research and Laboratory Applications: Laboratories utilize carbon bisulfide as a reagent for various chemical reactions, including the synthesis of organometallic compounds.
- Extraction of Essential Oils: Carbon bisulfide finds application in extracting essential oils from plants, facilitating the separation of desired aromatic compounds.
- Oil Extraction: Industries use carbon bisulfide to extract oils from seeds and vegetables due to its solubility and low boiling point.
- Rayon Fiber Manufacturing: Carbon bisulfide plays a vital role in producing rayon fibers as it helps dissolve cellulose, which manufacturers then extrude to form synthetic fibers used in textiles.
- Industrial Applications: Carbon bisulfide contributes to the production of pesticides, fumigants, and rubber chemicals. Moreover, it acts as a catalyst in manufacturing sulfuric acid and carbon tetrachloride.
- Solvent: Carbon bisulfide serves as a solvent for various substances, including oils, fats, rubber, resins, and sulfur. As a result, it finds common use in producing cellulose-based products.
- Chemical Processes: It serves as a raw material in the synthesis of organic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride, thiocarbamates, and dithiocarbamates. These compounds find applications in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.
- Vulcanization of Rubber: Carbon bisulfide participates in the vulcanization process of rubber, enhancing its strength, elasticity, and resistance to wear and tear.
These diverse applications highlight the importance of carbon bisulfide in multiple industries, ranging from textiles to agriculture, research, and manufacturing.
Questions:
Q: Which of the following molecules is polar? a. ammonia b. octane c. water d. carbon disulfide
A: a, Water (H2O) is polar due to its bent molecular shape and unequal sharing of electrons.
Q: What is the angle between the carbon-sulfur bonds in the carbon disulfide (CS2) molecule?
A: The angle between the carbon-sulfur bonds in CS2 is 180 degrees, forming a linear geometry.
Q: How many total atoms does 1 mol of carbon disulfide contain?
A: One mole of carbon bisulfide contains 6.02 x 10^23 molecules, and each molecule has 3 atoms (1 carbon and 2 sulfur).
Q: Which of these would you expect to be soluble in the nonpolar solvent carbon disulfide, CS2?
A: Nonpolar substances like octane (b) would be expected to be soluble in carbon bisulfide (CS2).
Q: What is the normal boiling point of carbon disulfide?
A: The normal boiling point of carbon bisulfide is approximately 46.3°C (115.3°F).
Q: Is carbon disulfide polar or nonpolar?
A: Carbon bisulfide (CS2) is a nonpolar molecule due to its linear shape and equal sharing of electrons.
Q: What is the formula for carbon disulfide?
A: The formula for carbon bisulfide is CS2.
Q: What is carbon disulfide?
A: Carbon bisulfide (CS2) is a volatile chemical compound made of one carbon and two sulfur atoms, used in various industrial applications.
Q: What is the significance of carbon disulfide being more dense than water?
A: The higher density of carbon bisulfide compared to water means it will not mix easily and will form distinct layers when combined.
Q: How can humans encounter carbon disulfide?
A: Humans can come into contact with carbon bisulfide through industrial processes, chemical applications, or handling of certain products.
Q: What happens if ingest carbon disulfide?
A: Ingesting carbon bisulfide can lead to health issues, including nausea, headache, and nervous system effects, making it hazardous to human health.
Q: Is carbon disulfide denser than water?
A: Yes, carbon bisulfide is denser than water, with a density of approximately 1.26 g/mL compared to water’s density of 1 g/mL.