carbon disulfide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “carbon disulfide” mean?
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid chemical compound with the formula CS₂, consisting of carbon and sulfur.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid chemical compound with the formula CS₂, consisting of carbon and sulfur.
An industrial solvent used in manufacturing processes such as rubber production, rayon manufacturing, and as a fumigant. It is also a significant environmental and occupational health hazard due to its toxicity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English may use the spelling 'carbon disulphide' more frequently, while American English consistently uses 'carbon disulfide'. Pronunciation differences are minimal.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties. Associated with industrial chemistry, hazards, and manufacturing.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialized fields.
Grammar
How to Use “carbon disulfide” in a Sentence
[Subject] produces carbon disulfide.[Subject] is exposed to carbon disulfide.[Subject] uses carbon disulfide as a solvent.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carbon disulfide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The carbon disulphide concentration was measured.
- A carbon disulphide exposure limit is enforced.
American English
- The carbon disulfide concentration was measured.
- A carbon disulfide exposure limit is enforced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports on industrial safety, chemical supply, and manufacturing costs.
Academic
Common in chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and industrial hygiene research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in safety data sheets (SDS), chemical engineering, industrial process descriptions, and occupational health guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carbon disulfide”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carbon disulfide”
- Misspelling as 'carbon disulphate' (confusion with sulfate).
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable of 'disulfide' (e.g., DIS-ul-fide).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a carbon disulfide'). It is a mass noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is released in small amounts from volcanoes and wetlands, but the vast majority is produced industrially.
Pure carbon disulfide has a sweet, ether-like odor at low concentrations, but commercial grades often contain impurities that give it a foul, rotten cabbage smell.
Yes, it is highly flammable and volatile, with a very low flash point, making fire and explosion significant risks.
Its main uses are in the production of viscose rayon and cellophane, as a solvent in chemical manufacturing, and historically as a fumigant.
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid chemical compound with the formula CS₂, consisting of carbon and sulfur.
Carbon disulfide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Carbon disulfide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑː.bən daɪˈsʌl.faɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːr.bən daɪˈsʌl.faɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CARBON (C) + DI (two) + SULFIDE (sulfur) = CS₂. It's a 'double sulfur' compound with carbon.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically referred to as an 'invisible threat' or 'industrial poison' due to its high toxicity and volatility.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary hazard associated with carbon disulfide?