Perchloromethylmercaptan

Chemical properties

CLEAR YELLOW LIQUID

Chemical properties

Perchloromethyl mercaptan is a pale yellow oily liquid with a foul-smelling, unbearable, acrid odor

The Uses of Perchloromethylmercaptan

Organic synthesis, dye intermediate, fumigant.

The Uses of Perchloromethylmercaptan

Production of fungicides; vulcanizing accelerator in rubber industry

The Uses of Perchloromethylmercaptan

Perchloromethyl Mercaptan is used as a reactant in the preparation of thio- and selenoesters of triflic acid via a route to thio- and selenosulfonates from disulfides and diselenides.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron, 48, p. 8065, 1992 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(01)80477-4

General Description

A yellow oily liquid with an offensive odor. Insoluble in water. Density 1.72 g / cm3. Hence sinks in water. Nonflammable but supports combustion. Very toxic by inhalation or skin absorption.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water. Slowly decomposed by moisture in the air. Reacts with hot water to give carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid and sulfur.

Reactivity Profile

Perchloromethylmercaptan is 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. Reacts readily with oxidizing agents.

Health Hazard

May cause death or permanent injury after short exposure to small quantities, strong irritant to eyes and skin. Inhalation may cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract. It also is a strong irritant to the eyes and skin. Brief exposure to lower concentrations may produce central nervous system depression and lung, liver, and heart congestion. Severe exposures may be fatal. Exposure of eyes may lead to severe conjunctivitis or corneal damage. The liquid is irritating to the skin, and may be absorbed through the skin in quantities sufficient to cause general toxic effects. Ingestion may cause damage to mucous membranes and result in pain and burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In severe cases, tissue ulceration and CNS depression may occur.

Fire Hazard

Very irritating vapors formed from hot material; may form phosgene gas, hydrogen chloride, and sulfur dioxide. At high temperatures Perchloromethylmercaptan will decompose to carbon tetrachloride, sulfur chloride, heavy oil polymers, phosgene gas, hydrogen chloride, and sulfur dioxide. Reacts with iron or steel, evolving carbon tetrachloride. Corrosive to most metals. Reacts with water only when hot to give carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid, and sulfur. Hazardous polymerization may not occur.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, inhalation, and intravenous routes. A severe skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Cland SOx. See also MERCAPTANS

Potential Exposure

Perchloromethyl mercaptan is used as an intermediate for the synthesis of dyes and fungicides, such as Captan and Folpet. This chemical has been considered as a warfare tear gas because of its highly irritant properties.

Shipping

UN1670 Perchloromethyl mercaptan, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Inhalation Hazard Zone B.

Incompatibilities

Water contact forms HCl, sulfur and carbon dioxide. Reacts with alkalies, amines, hot water; alcohols, oxidizers, reducing agents; iron, and steel. Attacks most metals.

Waste Disposal

Incineration together with a flammable solvent in a furnace equipped with afterburner and scrubber.