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Chemical name: Diethyl Sulfide
Common names: Ethyl sulfide, Sulfide, diethyl
Chemical formula: C4H10S
CAS number: 110-36-1
Physical state: Liquid, clear or slightly yellow
Odor: Strong, penetrating, unpleasant; it’s hard to miss and often serves as its own warning
Recommended uses: Typically found in industrial chemistry labs as a solvent or intermediate
GHS classification: Flammable Liquid, Category 2; Acute Toxicity, Category 4 (oral, inhalation)
Hazard statements: Highly flammable; harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin; skin and eye irritant
Signal word: Danger
Main symptoms: Headache, dizziness, nausea, irritation of skin, eyes, and respiratory tract on exposure
Chronic risks: Repeated or prolonged exposure may leave lasting respiratory irritation, and can cause dermatitis
Fire risk: Ignites easily and burns rapidly, and vapor forms explosive mixtures with air
Component: Diethyl Sulfide
Purity: Usually above 98% in industrial settings
Impurities: Higher homologs, residual solvents, but primary concern centers on the main component
Ingredient hazard: Most risk comes from the base chemical, with little added by minor impurities
Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; respiratory symptoms should prompt medical attention
Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing at once, wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; persistent irritation means seeing a doctor
Eye contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice quickly
Ingestion: Drink water if the person is conscious, avoid inducing vomiting, and head straight to a healthcare provider
Note: Medical attention matters with any significant exposure, since symptoms may escalate
Suitable extinguishing media: Use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide; water can spread the liquid’s vapors
Specific hazards: Vapors are heavier than air; can travel to ignition sources and flash back
Combustion products: Sulfur oxides and toxic gases form in a fire
Protective gear: Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Precautions: Cool containers with water to reduce explosion risk from heat
Personal protection: Don chemical splash goggles, impervious gloves, and protective clothing; a face shield is wise
Environmental precautions: Keep out of drains, soil, and bodies of water
Spill clean-up: Use non-sparking tools, absorb with inert material, and ventilate the area
Waste handling: Collect spills in sealable containers for disposal under hazardous waste guidelines
Extra risks: Explosive vapor buildup can happen quickly in closed spaces
Handling guidelines: Keep away from open flames, sparks, and sources of static discharge; only handle in well-ventilated spaces
Hygiene practices: Wash hands after use, remove contaminated clothes, avoid eating or drinking while handling
Storage conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers, away from heat and direct sunlight, in a dedicated flammable liquid storage area
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers and acids react violently, so separate storage is smart
Permissible exposure limit: OSHA has set limits for similar sulfides, but consult specific guidelines for workplace safety
Respiratory protection: Use appropriate respirators if ventilation fails to keep vapor levels low
Skin protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety clothing that covers exposed skin
Eye/face protection: Chemical splash goggles and face shields provide the best barrier
Engineering controls: Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof equipment, and regular air monitoring support worker safety
Molecular weight: 90.19 g/mol
Boiling point: 92-93°C
Flash point: -17°C (open cup)
Solubility: Low in water, high in most organic solvents
Vapor density: Heavier than air
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid
Odor threshold: Detectable at very low concentrations due to strong odor
Stability: Remains stable under recommended conditions, but heat and open flames set off decomposition
Hazardous reactions: Vigorous with oxidizing agents, acids may cause rapid exothermic reactions
Decomposition products: Sulfur oxides, flammable gases
Hazardous polymerization: Not a concern for this chemical
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye and oral contact
Acute toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat) reported as about 563 mg/kg, vapor inhalation causes respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects
Chronic effects: Prolonged or repeated contact can dry out the skin, trigger dermatitis, weaken respiratory health
Carcinogenicity: No major agency lists diethyl sulfide as a known carcinogen
Sensitization: Documented cases are rare, but allergic responses can't be ruled out at higher exposures
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms; significant discharges can disrupt water ecosystems
Persistence: Volatile but may linger in the environment if released in large amounts
Bioaccumulation: Does not appear to build up in animal tissues
Soil mobility: Tends to evaporate before settling deep in the soil
Environmental fate: Most ends up in the atmosphere, where it breaks down under sunlight but could contribute to local air quality problems at high concentrations
Method of disposal: Incineration in proper chemical waste facilities with air pollution controls, not safe for landfill or standard drains
Regulatory guidance: Follow all local and federal hazardous waste regulations in disposal efforts
Containers: Decontaminate or destroy according to hazardous waste rules to reduce environmental leakage risks
Hazard class: Classified under flammable liquids for road, rail, air, and sea transport
Packing group: II (medium danger)
Labels: Flammable liquid label required; additional identification in line with international rules
Precautions: Ship in reinforced drums, away from sources of ignition, and with clearly marked hazard indicators
Incidents: Spills in transit lead to evacuation risk due to explosive vapors; rapid response plans matter
Safety oversight: Covered by OSHA requirements for hazardous chemicals in the workplace
Environmental controls: EPA regulations govern release to air and water
International rules: Listed under major transport codes like the DOT, IATA, and IMDG due to acute fire and health hazards
Workplace safeguards: Regular training, mandatory PPE, clear spill response protocols all see enforcement under chemical safety acts
Community right-to-know: Facilities must maintain up-to-date safety records and hazard communication under state and federal guidelines
