Ethylene thiourea (ETU) is an organosulfur compound with the formula C3H6N2S. It is an example of an N,N-disubstituted thiourea. It is a white solid. It is synthesized by treating ethylenediamine with carbon disulfide.[3]
Ethylene thioureas are an excellent accelerant of vulcanization of neoprene rubbers. In commercial use is the N,N'-diphenylethylenethiourea. Due to reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity, alternatives are being sought to the ethylenethioureas. One candidate replacement is N-methyl-2-thiazolidinethione.[4]
Ethylene thiourea can be used as a biomarker of exposure to ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (EBDTCs), which are frequently employed as fungicides in agriculture, mainly on fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants.[5]
EPA classification
EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has classified ethylene thiourea as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.[6] Ethylene thiourea has been shown to be a potent teratogen (causes birth defects) in rats orally or dermally exposed.
See also
- Mercaptobenzothiazole - a cyclic dithiocarbamate also used as a vulcanization accelerant
References
- ^ a b c d e f NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0276". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
- ^ https://chem.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/rn/96-45-7 [dead link]
- ^ C. F. H. Allen; C. O. Edens; James VanAllan. "Ethylene Thiourea". Organic Syntheses; Collected Volumes, vol. 3, p. 394.
- ^ Rüdiger Schubart (2000). "Dithiocarbamic Acid and Derivatives". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a09_001. ISBN 3527306730.
- ^ Martínez Vidal, José L.; Frenich, Antonia Garrido (2005). Pesticide Protocols. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 79. ISBN 9781592599295.
ethylene thiourea.
- ^ "Ethylene Thiourea" (PDF). Ethylene Thiourea. January 2000 [April 1992].