Carbon Disulfide

Introduction

Carbon Disulfide (CS2) is predominantly manufactured in factories because this gas is not found within nature in an abundant quantity to produce several products that include rubber, rayon, and many others. However, it is essential to know whether this element is highly toxic and flammable in nature; therefore, precautionary measures are taken in factories while working.

What is Carbon Disulfide?

Carbon Disulfide is referred to as a compound of organosulphur that is a colourless liquid. However, this element in organic chemistry is also known as methanedithione. This is a solvent for bromine, phosphorous, iodine, resins and many others. The colour of the CS2 is colourless to a light shade of yellow in colour. This liquid is quite poisonous in nature and consists of a disagreeable smell and denser than water, therefore, sinks in it. However, this is predominantly used in the purification of the nanotubes of carbon. This is also known as manufacturing agents in flotation process.

Properties of Carbon Disulfide

Among several properties of CS2, the molecular weight is around 76.13 g/mol, density is 1.539 g/ cm3, the melting point is −111.61°C, and boiling point is 46.24°C. The element has a flash point value of −22oF, and is insoluble in water.

Manufacturing of Carbon Disulfide

It is well noted that $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ is not widely available in nature and therefore, its manufacturing is necessary as it is quite considerable with commercial values. At earlier times, $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ is produced during the reaction between sulphur and charcoal. Later on, propane as well as ethane was also used in the production of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$. However, in recent times, the reaction is conducted between the elements are carbon and sulphur under the high temperature.

The temperature is kept around 750°C to 900°C to conduct the reaction between sulphur and charcoal. The temperature is applied here quite high because of conversion of low reactive sulphur $\mathrm{(S_{2})}$ molecules into S atoms to react with carbon. The following reaction is −

$$\mathrm{C\:+\:2S\:\rightarrow\:CS_{2}}$$

This reaction is characterised as an endothermic reaction. The manufacturing process of CS2 is not energy efficient process hence requires high temperature.The best reagent to manufacture of CS2 is methane. The reaction is expressed as −

$$\mathrm{2CH_{4}\:+\:S_{8}\:\rightarrow\:2CS_{2}\:+\:4H_{2}S}$$

The temperature requires around 600°C for the above mentioned reaction. This reaction is known as the Hydrocarbon-Sulphur process consists of very bad odour.

Application of Carbon Disulfide

The applications of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ include the production of carbon tetrachloride which is used in the preparation of disinfectant of the soil. It is also used in the manufacturing of rayon, tubes associated with the electronic vacuum, camphor, catalysts for petroleum, and pesticide intermediate. This is also used as a solvent in many industries including rubber-making industries.

Reactions of Carbon Disulfide

There are several reactions of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$, like, the oxygen reacts with $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ and produces both carbon dioxide and sulphur oxide as follows −

$$\mathrm{CS_{2}\:+\:3O_{2}\:\rightarrow\:CO_{2}\:+\:2SO_{2}}$$

Carbon Tetrachloride is produced from the chlorination of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ and Sodium Hydrosulphide produces trithiocarbonate in presence of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$

Hazards to health

Figure 2 − Carbon Disulfide as Hazards to health

“Carbon Disulfide” as “Hazards to health”, Public domain, via Wikimedia

Application of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ leads to cause the threat among individuals who work in the factories with the usage of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$. Several problems arises like, deadly impacts on the Central Nervous System (CNS) of individual, affecting the kidneys, and cardiovascular system. It also affects the eyes, skin, as well as liver that enforces for taking of precautions among workers. A chart is given below which states its harmful impacts.

Figure 3 − Chart showing Hazards to health

Conclusion

In this tutorial, the discussion has been conducted on the elements of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$. The discussion has been made on preparation process, properties, reactions, and applications of $\mathrm{CS_{2}}$ to better understand about the toxicity of the elements. However, it is quite essential to take precautions before initiating work with such toxic elements.

FAQs

1. Where from the Carbon Disulphide comes from?

Carbon Disulphide is generated from the surface of the earth and emitted to the natural gases with very limited quantity. The emissions occur through the eruptions of the volcanoes or the marshes. In addition, microorganisms also produce Carbon Disulphide into the soil. However, on a commercial basis, Carbon Disulphide is produced by adding up Carbon and Sulphur at high temperature.

2. What is the intermolecular force noticed within Carbon Disulphide?

The nature of intermolecular force in Carbon Disulphide is London dispersion force. The elements Sulphur and Carbon exerts with similar electronegativity natre those results in non-polar nature of the molecule and weak London dispersion force between molecules.

3. Carbon Disulphide is an acid or not, justify?

Carbon Disulphide is not an acid. Here, Carbon atom uses its four outermost electrons to make bonds with two Sulphur atoms. Hence, there is no vacant place in the outer most orbital of Carbon to accept electrons from outer element and fails to show acidic nature.