Structure of diethyl dixanthogen disulfide.
Dixanthogen disulfides are a class of organosulfur compounds with the formula (ROC(S)S)2. Usually yellow solids, they are the product of the oxidation of xanthate salts. A common derivative is diethyl dixanthogen disulfide. Diisopropyl dixanthogen disulfide is commercially available. They are structurally related to thiuram disulfides.
Uses and reactions
Diethyl dixanthogen disulfide is a component for froth flotations used, inter alia, for the separation of sulfide minerals like pyrrhotite. Diisopropyl dixanthogen disulfide is a reagent in the synthesis of sulfur heterocycles.
Dialkoxy dixanthogen disulfides undergo desulfurization by cyanide to give bis(alkoxythiocarbonyl)sulfides:
- (ROC(S)S)2 + CN− → (ROC(S))2S + SCN−
Dixanthogens are also ectoparasiticides.