carbon disulphide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “carbon disulphide” mean?
A flammable, toxic, colourless chemical compound composed of carbon and sulfur (CS₂), often used as an industrial solvent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flammable, toxic, colourless chemical compound composed of carbon and sulfur (CS₂), often used as an industrial solvent.
In broader contexts, it can refer to a key reagent in organic chemistry for synthesising various sulfur-containing compounds, or historically, to its use in vulcanising rubber and producing viscose rayon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is spelling: 'disulphide' (UK) vs. 'disulfide' (US). Both refer to the same compound (CS₂).
Connotations
No difference in connotation. The UK spelling is traditional; the US spelling aligns with modern IUPAC recommendations.
Frequency
The US spelling 'carbon disulfide' is far more common globally in contemporary scientific and industrial writing.
Grammar
How to Use “carbon disulphide” in a Sentence
CS₂ is used for V-ingExposure to carbon disulphide can cause NThe synthesis involves carbon disulphideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carbon disulphide” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The carbon disulphide extract was analysed.
- Carbon disulphide exposure limits are strictly enforced.
American English
- The carbon disulfide solution was prepared.
- Carbon disulfide toxicity is well-documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like chemical manufacturing or safety compliance reports.
Academic
Common in chemistry, chemical engineering, toxicology, and industrial history texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in research papers, safety data sheets (SDS), and industrial process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carbon disulphide”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carbon disulphide”
- Misspelling as 'disulphide' in US contexts or 'disulfide' in traditional UK contexts.
- Confusing it with 'carbon sulphide' (a less specific term).
- Mispronouncing 'disulphide' with stress on the first syllable (/ˈdɪs.ʌl.faɪd/) instead of the second (/daɪˈsʌl.faɪd/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the identical chemical compound (CS₂). 'Disulphide' is the traditional British English spelling, while 'disulfide' is the modern American and international scientific spelling.
It is highly flammable, explosive, and toxic. Inhalation or skin contact can cause severe nervous system damage, psychosis, and organ failure.
Pure carbon disulphide has a sweet, ethereal, or slightly pleasant odour at low concentrations, but the commercial product often contains impurities that give it a foul, rotten cabbage-like smell.
Yes, but its use is heavily regulated. It is primarily used as a solvent and as a raw material to make other chemicals, such as viscose rayon and carbon tetrachloride (now also restricted).
A flammable, toxic, colourless chemical compound composed of carbon and sulfur (CS₂), often used as an industrial solvent.
Carbon disulphide is usually technical/scientific in register.
Carbon disulphide: 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: 'Disulphide' has the 'ph' like 'sulphur', the element it contains. Carbon makes two ('di') bonds with sulphur.
Practice
Quiz
What is the main modern use of carbon disulphide?