Carbon disulfide facts for kids

A 3D picture showing the structure of carbon disulfide.

Carbon disulfide, also known as carbon bisulfide, is a chemical compound. This means it is made of two or more elements joined together. It contains the elements carbon and sulfur. Its chemical formula is CS₂. This formula tells us it has one carbon atom and two sulfur atoms.

What is Carbon Disulfide Like?

Carbon disulfide is similar to carbon dioxide, which is the gas we breathe out. However, carbon disulfide reacts much more easily with other chemicals. It burns very easily and can catch fire at just 90°C (194°F). Pure carbon disulfide has a sweet smell. But it often has other chemicals mixed in that make it smell bad, like rotten eggs.

How is Carbon Disulfide Made?

In the past, carbon disulfide was made by heating carbon and sulfur together at very high temperatures. Today, it is usually made by reacting methane gas with sulfur. This process is like "burning" methane, but with sulfur instead of oxygen. It is much harder to burn methane with sulfur. The carbon disulfide created is also much more reactive than carbon dioxide, which is the usual product when methane burns in air.

What is Carbon Disulfide Used For?

Carbon disulfide is used to make other important chemicals, such as carbon tetrachloride. It is also used in making many organic chemicals. Organic chemicals are a big group of chemicals that contain carbon.

This compound can also dissolve many things, like phosphorus and iodine. Because it can dissolve things and also kill insects, it has been used as a way to get rid of insects.

Is Carbon Disulfide Safe?

Carbon disulfide is very flammable. This means it can easily catch fire and burn. It is also toxic if a person breathes in large amounts of it. Because of these dangers, people who work with carbon disulfide must be very careful. They need to use special safety equipment and follow strict rules to stay safe.

Images for kids

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  An old advertisement from 1896 for carbon disulfide as an insecticide.

See also

• Iron sulfide

In Spanish: Sulfuro de carbono para niños