Dibenzyl sulphide

Chemical properties

beige crystals or powder with an unpleasant smell

The Uses of Dibenzyl sulphide

Organic synthesis.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 53, p. 1480, 1975 DOI: 10.1139/v75-205
Tetrahedron Letters, 27, p. 1073, 1986 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(86)80051-X

General Description

Colorless plates or pale beige crystalline solid with a crippling stench .

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Organosulfides, such as Dibenzyl sulphide, are incompatible with acids, diazo and azo compounds, halocarbons, isocyanates, aldehydes, alkali metals, nitrides, hydrides, and other strong reducing agents. Reactions with these materials generate heat and in many cases hydrogen gas. Many of these compounds may liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition or reaction with an acid.

Fire Hazard

Dibenzyl sulphide is combustible.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion.When heated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors ofSOx.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the sulfide from EtOH/water (10:1), or repeatedly from Et2O. It has also been purified by chromatography on Al2O3 (pentane as eluent), then recrystallised from EtOH [Kice & Bowers J Am Chem Soc 84 2390 1962]. Dry it in a vacuum at 30o over P2O5, fused under nitrogen and re-dried. [Beilstein 6 IV 2649.]