Substance profile
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight odor.
01 · Identification
What Disulfiram is
Disulfiram is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a slight odor. Its molecular formula is C10H20N2S4 and its molecular weight is 296.5 g/mol. It boils at 117 °C, melts at 71.5 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Disulfiram
- tetraethylthiuramdisulfide
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H373 | May cause damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P261, P270, P272, P273, P280, P301, P312, P313, P314, P330, P333, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Disulfiram properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 117.22 °C (243 °F) | OSHA | |
| 117 °C (242.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| 117 °C (242.6 °F) | at 17 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 71.5 °C (160.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 70 °C (158 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.3 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.27 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in alc (3.82 g/100 ml), ether (7.14 g/100 ml), acetone, benzene, chloroform, carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Soluble in aromatic | HSDB | ||
| In water, 4.09 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | OSHA | |
| 0 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.00087 mmHg | Haz-Map | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Disulfiram
Storage conditions
Commercially available disulfiram tablets should be protected from light and stored in tight, light-resistant containers at a temperature less than 40 °C preferably between 15-30 °C. Oral suspensions of disulfiram have been prepared extemporaneously from commercially available tablets of the drug. A suspension of 1% disulfiram, 1/4% methylcellulose, and 10% Tang /breakfast drink/ in distilled water has been reported to be stable for up to 6 months if refrigerated at 2-8 °C and protected from light.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides. Reacts violently with strong oxidants. Attacks copper.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TETRAETHYLTHIURAM DISULFIDE is sensitive to light. This compound is incompatible with strong acids, strong oxidizers and nitrosating agents (e.g. N-Nitrosodiphenylamine). (NTP, 1992).
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Disulfiram in the storage compatibility matrix →