CARBON DISULFIDE

Carbon disulfide
(Carbon bisulfide)
CAS 75-15-0

CS₂

Colorless liquid
bp 46 °C, mp -111 °C
Slightly soluble in water (0.22 g/100 mL)

Cabbage-like odor detectable at 0.016 to 0.42 ppm (mean = 0.2 ppm)

2.6 (air = 1.0)

300 mmHg at 20 °C

-30 °C

90 °C

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 3188 mg/kg

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 25,000 mg/m³(2 h)

STEL (OSHA) 12 ppm (36 mg/m³)--skin

PEL (OSHA) 4 ppm (12 mg/m³)

TLV-TWA (ACGIH) 10 ppm (31 mg/m³)--skin

Extremely flammable, volatile liquid; vapors are readily ignited by hot surfaces.

Carbon disulfide is only slightly toxic to laboratory animals by inhalation or ingestion, but its toxicity is relatively greater in humans. Exposure to 5000 ppm of carbon disulfide for 15 min can be fatal to humans. CS₂ may also exert its toxic effects after absorption through skin. By all routes of exposure, carbon disulfide affects the central nervous system. Overexposure to CS₂ may cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, nervousness, or psychological disturbances. Contact of the liquid or high concentrations of CS₂ vapor with the eyes may cause irritation. Skin contact can also cause rash or skin irritation. Carbon disulfide is regarded as a substance with good warning properties.

Chronic exposure to relatively high concentrations of carbon disulfide may cause the central nervous system effects described above. In addition, chronic overexposure to carbon disulfide causes increased atherosclerosis, leading to risk of cardiovascular disease. Prolonged exposure of female workers to low concentrations of carbon disulfide has been associated with birth defects in offspring; exposure limit values provide little margin of safety for risk of developmental effects. Carbon disulfide has not been found to be a carcinogen in humans.

Carbon disulfide is extremely flammable and is a dangerous fire hazard (NFPA rating = 3). It is has a high vapor pressure and extremely low autoignition temperature. Its vapor is heavier than air and can travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. The vapor forms explosive mixtures in air at concentrations of 1.3 to 50%. Carbon disulfide can be ignited by hot surfaces such as steam baths that would ordinarily not constitute an ignition source for other flammable vapors. Rust (iron oxide) may increase the likelihood of ignition by hot surfaces. Carbon disulfide fires should be extinguished with CO₂ or dry chemical extinguishers.

Reactions of alkali metals with carbon disulfide may cause explosions. Carbon disulfide reacts violently with metal azides.

Carbon disulfide should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C, supplemented by additional precautions for dealing with extremely flammable substances (Chapter 5.F). In particular, carbon disulfide should be used only in areas free of ignition sources (including hot plates, incandescent lightbulbs, and steam baths), and this substance should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers.

In the event of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally) and obtain medical attention. If carbon disulfide is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

In the event of a spill, take care to remove all ignition sources, soak up the carbon disulfide with a spill pillow or absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly, taking appropriate precautions because of the extreme flammability of the liquid and vapor. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Excess carbon disulfide and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.