Dimethyldithiocarbamate

Dimethyldithiocarbamate is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2NCS2Na. This salt is a white, water-soluble solid that is used in the production of rubber and other industrial applications. It is a dithiocarbamate.

Chemistry

Dimethyldithiocarbamate is a member of the class of dithiocarbamates, which are organic compounds containing a carbamodithioate functional group, with the general structure R2NCS2M (R = organyl group; M = metal atom). It is a dithiocarbamate salt and a member of monocarboxylic acids and derivatives.

Production

Dimethyldithiocarbamate is produced by the reaction of carbon disulfide with dimethylamine in the presence of sodium hydroxide:

(CH3)2NH + CS2 + NaOH → (CH3)2NCS2Na + H2O

Applications

Dimethyldithiocarbamate is used in the production of rubber, where it acts as an accelerator, speeding up the vulcanization process. It is also used in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning, as it can form complexes with heavy metals, aiding in their removal from the body.

Safety

Like other dithiocarbamates, dimethyldithiocarbamate can be hazardous to health. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and if ingested or inhaled, can cause nausea, headache, and respiratory irritation.

See also

• Dithiocarbamate
• Carbon disulfide
• Dimethylamine
• Sodium hydroxide