Substance profile
Disulphur dichloride
Disulphur dichloride is a light amber to yellowish red oily liquid with a suffocating odor.
01 · Identification
What Disulphur dichloride is
Disulphur dichloride is a light amber to yellowish red oily liquid with a suffocating odor. Its molecular formula is Cl2S2 and its molecular weight is 135 g/mol. It boils at 137 °C, melts at -77 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Disulphur dichloride
- sulfur monochloride
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 |
|---|---|
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH014, EUH029
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P304, P310, P312, P330, P331, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Disulphur dichloride 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 | 137 °C (278.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 137.78 °C (280 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 137.78 °C (280 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -77 °C (-106.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -77.22 °C (-107 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -80 °C (-112 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.68 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 1.6755 g/cm³ | at 21.11 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.68 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in alc, benzene, ether, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, oils | HSDB | |
| Decomposes | decomposes | NIOSH | |
| Decomposes (NIOSH, 2024) | decomposes | CAMEO | |
| Vapor pressure | 7 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 6.7506 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 118.33 °C (245 °F) | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 233.89 °C (453 °F) | HSDB | |
| 234 °C (453.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Behavior in fire: Pressurized container may explode and release toxic, irritating vapors. | Hydrocloric acid | HSDB |
| Class IIIB Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 200 °F. | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor density | 4.66 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.7 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | Air: 0.77 ul/l; Odor safety class C; C= less than 50% of distracted persons perceive warning of TLV. | Hydrochloric acid | HSDB |
| Odor low: 7.0 mg/cu m; Odor high: 49.0 mg/cu m; strong irritating odor; Irritating concn= 49.00 mg/cu m. | Hydrochloric acid | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 392 °C (737.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Sulfur monochloride will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Disulphur dichloride
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Corrosivity
Sulfur monochloride is minimally corrosive to carbon steel and iron when dry. When wet, it behaves like hydrochloric acid and attacks steel, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steels, copper and copper alloys, and many nickel-based materials.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Disulphur dichloride
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Isolate from water & oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with water to produce heat & hydrogen chloride fumes. The solution is strongly acid.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
SULFUR MONOCHLORIDE poses a fire hazard in contact with organic matter. Can react violently with oxidizing agents to form toxic gases. Reacts violently with sodium peroxide, chromyl chloride, phosphorus trioxide. Emits highly toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and chlorides when heated to decomposition [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1196]. Reacts exothermically with tin, antimony, antimony sulfide, arsenic sulfide, mercury oxide. A mixture with potassium is shock-sensitive and explodes violently on heating [Mellor, 1947, 10, p.642]. Reacts particularly violently with dimethyl sulfoxide [Buckley, A., J. Chem. Ed., 1965, 42, p. 674].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Disulphur dichloride in the storage compatibility matrix →