Potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate
[CAS# 3699-30-7]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives >> Salt of carboxylic acid ester and its derivatives
• Name: Potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate
• Synonyms: Diethyldithiocarbamic acid potassium salt; PDC; PDC (fixative)
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀NS₂K
• Molecular Weight: 187.37
• CAS Registry Number: 3699-30-7
• EC Number: 223-031-3
• SMILES: CCN(CC)C(=S)[S-].[K+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS08 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H361:
• Precautionary Statements: P203-P280-P318-P405-P501

Discovory and Applicatios

Potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate is a chemical compound known for its application as a chelating agent and a precursor in various industrial and environmental processes. This compound is characterized by the presence of a dithiocarbamate functional group, which imparts its ability to bind strongly to metal ions. Its structure and reactivity make it a valuable tool in fields such as wastewater treatment, agriculture, and analytical chemistry.

The discovery of potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate is linked to early studies on dithiocarbamates and their metal-chelating properties. These compounds were initially explored for their potential to form stable complexes with transition metals. The synthesis of potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate typically involves the reaction of carbon disulfide with diethylamine in an alkaline medium, leading to the formation of the potassium salt of the dithiocarbamate group.

One of the primary applications of potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate is in the treatment of industrial wastewater. It is used to precipitate heavy metals such as copper, lead, and mercury, forming insoluble metal-dithiocarbamate complexes that can be easily removed from aqueous solutions. This application is critical for reducing the environmental impact of industrial discharges and meeting regulatory standards for water quality.

In agriculture, potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate has been used as a fungicide to protect crops from fungal infections. Its ability to chelate essential metal ions in fungal cells disrupts their metabolic processes, offering an effective means of disease control. However, its use in this capacity has been subject to regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about environmental persistence and toxicity.

In analytical chemistry, the compound serves as a reagent for the spectrophotometric determination of metal ions. The brightly colored metal-dithiocarbamate complexes formed are useful for detecting and quantifying trace metals in various samples. This application highlights the versatility of potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate in laboratory and industrial settings.

Research into the environmental impact and toxicity of dithiocarbamates, including potassium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate, continues to inform their safe and sustainable use. Efforts are also directed toward developing alternative compounds with reduced environmental footprints while maintaining their functional benefits.