Chemical Properties
COLORLESS TO YELLOW CRYSTALLINE CHUNKS
Uses
Tetramethylthiourea forms BF3 adduct with tetramethylselenourea.
Definition
ChEBI: Tetramethylthiourea is a member of thioureas.
General Description
White crystals.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile
An organosulfide amide. Organosulfides are incompatible with acids, diazo and azo compounds, halocarbons, isocyanates, aldehydes, alkali metals, nitrides, hydrides, and other strong reducing agents. Reactions with these materials generate heat and in many cases hydrogen gas. Many of these compounds may liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition or reaction with an acid. Organic amides/imides react with azo and diazo compounds to generate toxic gases. Flammable gases are formed by the reaction of organic amides/imides with strong reducing agents. Amides are very weak bases (weaker than water). Imides are less basic yet and in fact react with strong bases to form salts. That is, they can react as acids. Mixing amides with dehydrating agents such as P2O5 or SOCl2 generates the corresponding nitrile. The combustion of these compounds generates mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
Hazard
Moderately toxic by ingestion.
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for Tetramethylthiourea are not available, but Tetramethylthiourea is probably combustible.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by ingestion. Questionable carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and teratogenic data. Human mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NOx and SOx. See also SULFIDES.
