Methylene dithiocyanate

Chemical properties

Colorless needle-like crystals or yellow crystalline powder. Melting point 102-104 ℃. Soluble in dioxane, dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in other organic solvents. The solubility in room temperature water is 2300 ppm. It is very sensitive to pH, and hydrolyzes quickly above pH=8.

The Uses of Methylene dithiocyanate

Methylene Dithiocyanate emulsion is used as bactericide.

Definition

ChEBI: Methylene dithiocyanate is a member of the class of thiocyanates that is methane in which two of the hycrogens have been replaced by thiocyanato groups. Used as a biocide for the control of various pathogens and algae in industrial water systems and as a fungicide for the control of surface moulds and sapstain fungi on wood. It has a role as a fungicide and an antibacterial agent.

Preparation

Synthesis of methylene dithiocyanate: under pressure, add excess sodium thiocyanate (or sodium thiocyanate) and dichloromethane into the reaction kettle, start stirring, and heat up to 80-100°C at the same time. After the reaction is completed, dichloromethane is recovered, and the solid-liquid two phases are separated to obtain a crude methylene dithiocyanate.

General Description

Methylenebis(thiocyanate) appears as yellow to light orange-colored mass or yellow powder. (NTP, 1992)

Air & Water Reactions

May be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air. Decomposes in water (not vigorously) and more rapidly in boiling water.

Reactivity Profile

Methylenedithiocyanate reacts vigorously with strong bases and strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Hydrolyzes slowly with water at boiling temperatures and reacts slowly and exothermically with aqueous acids .

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Methylenedithiocyanate are not available; however, Methylenedithiocyanate is probably combustible.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NOx and SOx.