Disulfur dichloride

Disulfur dichloride is the chemical compound of sulfur and chlorine with the formula S₂Cl₂.

Properties

Chemical

Disulfur dichloride is sensitive to moist air, due to reaction with water:

2 S₂Cl₂ + 2 H₂O → SO₂ + 4 HCl + 3/8 S₈

Physical

Pure disulfur dichloride is a yellow liquid, with a pugnant irritating odor, that smokes in air.

Availability

Disulfur dichloride can be purchased from chemical supplier, however due to it's hazardous nature, it cannot be bought by individuals.

Preparation

Disulfur dichloride can be prepared by bubbling dry chlorine through molten sulfur. Direct chlorination of powdered sulfur also works with lower efficiency. In either case distillation is required for purification.

Projects

• Tetrasulfur tetranitride synthesis

Handling

Safety

Disulfur dichloride will react with water to release HCl and sulfur dioxide.

Storage

Disulfur dichloride should be stored in sealed bottles in a special cabinet. Ground glass is inappropriate as escaping vapour reacts with atmospheric air, depositing solid sulfur in the glass joints, gluing them together.

Disposal

Disulfur dichloride can be neutralized by mixing it with a basic solution. Slaked lime is very good.

See also

• Sulfur dichloride

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• disulfur dichloride
• Another Go at Making Disulphur Dichloride