Disulfur Dichloride - Applications

Applications

S₂Cl₂ has been used to introduce C-S bonds. In the presence of AlCl₃, S₂Cl₂ reacts with benzene to give diphenyl sulfide:

S₂Cl₂ + 2 C₆H₆ → (C₆H₅)₂S + 2 HCl + 1/8 S₈

Anilines react with S₂Cl₂ in the presence of NaOH via the so-called Herz reaction to give ortho-aminothiophenolates. These species are precursors to thioindigo dyes. It is also used to prepare the sulfur mustard "gas" by reaction with ethylene at 60°C (the Levinstein process):

S₂Cl₂ + 2 C₂H₄ → (ClC₂H₄)₂S + 1/8 S₈

Other uses include manufacturing sulfur dyes, insecticides, synthetic rubbers. Also used in cold vulcanization of rubbers, as polymerization catalyst for vegetable oils and for hardening soft woods.