Formula C4H10S Appearance Clear liquid | Density 837 kg/m³ | |
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Diethyl sulfide
Diethyl sulfide is a clear flammable chemical compound with a pungent garlic-like odor. It has the chemical formula C
4H
10S, though it can also be written (C
2H
5)
2S or Et
2S to make its chemical structure more clear. It is prepared by treating ethanol with concentrated sulfuric acid, partially neutralizing the new solution with sodium carbonate, then distilling the resulting sodium ethyl sulfate in a solution containing potassium sulfide.
Contents
Diethyl sulfide is a by-product of the commercial production of ethanethiol, which is prepared by the reaction of ethylene with hydrogen sulfide over an alumina-based catalyst. The amount of diethyl sulfide produced can be controlled by varying the ratio of hydrogen sulfide to ethylene.
Occurrence
Diethyl sulfide has been found to be a constituent of the odor of durian fruit and as a constituent found in volatiles from potatoes.
Uses
Diethyl sulfide is used as a solvent for anhydrous minerals and in plating baths for gold and silver.