Potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate
[CAS# 128-03-0]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical pesticide >> Fungicide
• Name: Potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate
• Synonyms: DimethylCarbamodithioic acid potassium salt; Busan 85
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₆KNS₂
• Molecular Weight: 159.30
• CAS Registry Number: 128-03-0
• EC Number: 204-875-1
• SMILES: CN(C)C(=S)[S-].[K+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS09 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H400
• Precautionary Statements: P273-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

Discovory and Applicatios

Potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate, with the chemical formula C₃H₆NS₂K, is the potassium salt of dimethyldithiocarbamic acid. It belongs to the class of dithiocarbamates, compounds characterized by the presence of a dithiocarbamate group (–N(CS₂)R₂). This compound appears as a yellow to light brown crystalline or powdery solid, soluble in water and alcohols, and is known for its strong coordination ability with metal ions. It has been widely studied and utilized in industrial chemistry, agriculture, and analytical applications.

The synthesis of potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate was first accomplished in the early 20th century during systematic investigations of dithiocarbamic acid derivatives. It is typically prepared by the reaction of dimethylamine with carbon disulfide in the presence of potassium hydroxide. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions and yields the potassium salt in high purity. The resulting compound exhibits good stability under dry conditions but can undergo slow hydrolysis when exposed to moisture, releasing dimethylamine and hydrogen sulfide.

One of the earliest applications of potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate was in the field of rubber vulcanization. Dithiocarbamates serve as accelerators in the sulfur vulcanization of rubber, facilitating the formation of cross-links between polymer chains and enhancing the elasticity and durability of the rubber material. The compound’s ability to form stable complexes with sulfur and metal ions makes it particularly effective in this context.

In agriculture, potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate and related compounds have been widely used as fungicides and pesticides. They function by disrupting the enzyme systems of pathogenic fungi and certain insect pests. However, their usage has been subject to regulatory review due to concerns over environmental persistence and potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Applications are typically governed by strict guidelines to minimize ecological impact and ensure safe handling.

In coordination chemistry, potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate is an important ligand for the synthesis of metal-dithiocarbamate complexes. It readily coordinates with transition metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and iron, forming stable chelates with a range of coordination geometries. These metal complexes have been studied for their magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties. Some of them exhibit biological activity, including antimicrobial and anticancer effects, though such uses are based on the well-characterized behavior of the compounds rather than speculative therapeutic claims.

Potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate is also employed in analytical chemistry as a precipitating agent. Its strong affinity for metal ions enables selective separation and quantification of trace metals from complex mixtures. It has been used to determine the presence of metals like zinc, cadmium, and mercury in environmental and industrial samples through gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods. The compound forms brightly colored complexes, which can be analyzed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, providing a sensitive means of detection.

In industrial wastewater treatment, the compound has been utilized to remove heavy metals by forming insoluble metal-dithiocarbamate complexes. These precipitates can be filtered or settled out, reducing the metal content of effluents and improving compliance with environmental discharge regulations. Its effectiveness in binding metals such as lead, copper, and chromium has been confirmed through experimental studies and practical implementation.

The thermal and chemical stability of potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate has been characterized through spectroscopic and analytical methods. It remains stable under ambient conditions but decomposes at elevated temperatures, releasing sulfur-containing gases. Decomposition is influenced by the presence of acids or oxidizing agents, which can lead to the release of toxic gases such as carbon disulfide and dimethylamine. Consequently, handling and storage require appropriate precautions to ensure safety.

Overall, potassium dimethyldithiocarbamate is a well-defined and extensively studied chemical compound with a broad range of applications in industrial processes, agriculture, analytical chemistry, and coordination chemistry. Its utility is based on established chemical properties and reproducible reactions with metal ions and organic substrates.

References

1968. Volatile metabolites from dimethyldithiocarbamate fungicide residues. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 3(6).
DOI: 10.1007/bf01558348

1998. Removal of mercury cyanide species from solutions using dimethyl dithiocarbamates. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration, 15(4).
DOI: 10.1007/bf03403160

2017. Evaluation of Industrial Biocides on a Novel Aspergillus versicolor TANCK-1 and Elucidation of Their Probable Biocidal Mechanism. Indian Journal of Microbiology, 58(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s12088-017-0696-7