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Adams 2 mercaptobenzothiazole review
2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is an organosulfur compound with the formula C6H4NSCSH. The molecule consists of a benzene ring fused to a 2-mercaptothiazole ring. It is used in the vulcanization of rubber.
Contents
Synthesis and reactions
It is produced by the reaction of 2-aminothiophenol and carbon disulfide:
C6H4(NH2)SH + CS2 → C6H4NSCSH + H2SIt oxidizes to give the disulfide called MBTS. Upon oxidation in the presence of secondary amines, it gives sulfenamide derivatives. One commercially useful example is 2-morpholinodithiobenzothiazole (MBSS), which is used as an accelerator in the vulcanization of rubber.
Uses
Using MBT, rubber vulcanizes with less sulfur and at milder temperatures, both factors give a stronger product. This effect was reported in 1921 by workers at Pirelli and at Goodyear Tire & Rubber.
This compound is used as cooling tower biocide.
The compound has also been used in the past in the gold-mining industry to "float" the gold from ore residue as part of the extraction process.
Safety
Studies have identified it as a potiential human carcinogen. In 2016, it was identified by the World Health Organization as a human carcinogen.
It causes allergic contact dermatitis. The derivative morpholinylmercaptobenzothiazole is a reported allergen in protective gloves, including latex, nitrile, and neoprene gloves.
It becomes air-borne as a result of wear on car tires, and is able to be inhaled.