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1,2-Ethanedithiol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H6S2
CAS number
540-63-6
IUPAC name
ethane-1,1-dithiol;ethane-1,2-dithiol
State
State

1,2-Ethanedithiol is a liquid at room temperature. Despite being a liquid, it is highly volatile and can release strong odors even at low concentrations due to its high vapor pressure.

Melting point (Celsius)
-84.70
Melting point (Kelvin)
188.45
Boiling point (Celsius)
146.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
419.95
General information
Molecular weight
94.20g/mol
Molar mass
94.1960g/mol
Density
1.2232g/cm3
Appearence

1,2-Ethanedithiol is a colorless liquid with a strong, disagreeable odor reminiscent of decaying cabbage. The compound's scent is characteristic of thiols, which often have intense and unpleasant smells.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Ethane-1,1-dithiol and Ethane-1,2-dithiol

Both ethane-1,1-dithiol and ethane-1,2-dithiol are dithiols that exhibit their own unique solubility characteristics in various solvents. Here are some key points regarding their solubility:

  • Polarity: Due to the presence of two thiol (-SH) groups, these compounds are polar and are more likely to dissolve in polar solvents, such as water.
  • Water Solubility: They show moderate solubility in water, primarily influenced by the thiol groups that can create hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Organic Solvents: They are also soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, and diethyl ether, where their interactions are significantly effective.
  • Temperature Dependency: Solubility can increase with temperature, which enhances molecular movement and interaction in both water and organic solvents.

As a general statement, one could claim that:

The solubility of dithiols like ethane-1,1-dithiol and ethane-1,2-dithiol offers researchers valuable insights into their behavior in different environments.

Understanding their solubility not only assists in practical applications but also highlights the importance of molecular structure in affecting chemical interactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Ethane-1,1-dithiol and Ethane-1,2-dithiol

Ethane-1,1-dithiol and ethane-1,2-dithiol are fascinating compounds in the world of organic chemistry, primarily due to their unique structure and properties. Both compounds feature two thiol (-SH) groups, but their positions on the ethane backbone differ, leading to distinct chemical behaviors.

Chemical Structure

The two dithiol isomers, ethane-1,1-dithiol and ethane-1,2-dithiol, can be differentiated by the locations of the sulfhydryl groups:

  • Ethane-1,1-dithiol: Both thiol groups are attached to the first carbon of the ethane chain.
  • Ethane-1,2-dithiol: The thiol groups are attached to the first and second carbons of the ethane chain.

Applications

These compounds possess a variety of applications, including:

  • Environmental Science: Used in studies related to the detection and analysis of heavy metals due to their ability to form complexes with metal ions.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Investigated for potential use in drug development, particularly in the context of compounds that can act as antioxidants.
  • Chemical Synthesis: Serve as important building blocks in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of more complex thiol-containing molecules.

Unique Properties

Both compounds exhibit some interesting properties:

  • Thiol groups are known for their strong *nucleophilicity*, making these dithiols reactive and useful in many organic reactions.
  • They can emit distinct odors, reminiscent of rotten cabbage, which can be useful for identifying their presence in various contexts.
  • Their ability to form disulfide bonds under oxidizing conditions makes them significant in biochemical systems, particularly in protein folding.

In summary, ethane-1,1-dithiol and ethane-1,2-dithiol are not just simple sulfur compounds; they are essential to various fields ranging from environmental chemistry to pharmaceutical applications. Their engaging chemical properties and myriad applications make them a noteworthy subject of study for chemists and researchers alike.

Synonyms
SCHEMBL28657084