Dithiobiuret is an organosulfur compound with the formula HN(C(S)NH2)2. It is a colourless solid that is soluble in warm water and polar organic solvents. It is a planar molecule with short C-S and C-N distances (1.69, 1.38 Å, resp.) indicative of multiple C-S and C-N bonding.
The compound can be viewed as the product from the condensation of two molecules of thiourea, but it is prepared by treatment of 2-cyanoguanidine with hydrogen sulfide. The conversion proceeds via guanylthiourea: NCNC(NH2) + H2S → HN(C(S)NH2)(C(NH)NH2) HN(C(S)NH2)(C(NH)NH2) + H2S → HN(C(S)NH2)2
It is used as a plasticizer, a rubber accelerator, and as an intermediate in pesticide manufacturing.Dithiobiuret Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Properties Dithiobiuret binds to metals in a bidentate fashion, both as the neutral ligand and as its conjugate base.
Safety Dithiobiuret is extremely toxic; exposure can result in respiratory failure.
See also Biuret
References
External links
Dithiobiuret at www.chemicalbook.com.