Description
Ethylenethiourea, a thiourea derivative, is a rubber
chemical. It has caused contact dermatitis mainly in
rubber workers.
Chemical Properties
Ethylene thiourea is a white to light green, needle-like crystalline solid with a faint amine odor. It is very soluble in hot water;slightly soluble in cold water, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, pyridine, acetic acid, and naphtha; and insoluble in acetone, ether, chloroform, and benzene.When heated to decomposition, ethylene thiourea emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx).
Ethylene thiourea is available in the United States as crystals, as a powder, as an 80% dispersion of the powder in oil, or encapsulated in a matrix of compatible elastomers.
Uses
2-Imidazolidinethione is a pesticide used in production of fruits and vegetables. It is also used as a new contrast agent for MRI studies based on proton chemical exchange dependent saturation transfe
r. 2-Imidazolidinethione is also a corrosion inhibitor due to the adsorption of the mol. species.
Uses
Accelerator in the curing of polychloroprene
(neoprene) and polyacrylate
rubber; intermediate in the manufacture of
antioxidants, insecticides, fungicides, dyes,
pharmaceuticals, and synthetic resins
Uses
elastomer accelerator;chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) rubber vulcanizing accelerator agent.
Ethylene thiourea is used primarily as an accelerator for vulcanizing polychloroprene (Neoprene®) and polyacrylate rubbers. Neoprene rubbers are used almost exclusively in industrial applications，e.g.. for mechanical and automotive products, in wire and cable production, in construction，and in adhesives. Polyacrylate rubbers are used in products such as seals, o-rings, and gaskets for automotive and aircraft applications. Ethylene thiourea is used in the manufacture of ethylene-bisdithiocarbamate pesticides, such as Maneb®, Mancozeb®, Metiram®,and Zineb®.Ethylene thiourea is also used in electroplating baths, as an intermediate in antioxidant production, in dyes， pharmaceuticals，and synthetic resins. However, there is no evidence that the compound is used commercially for any of these purposes (IARC V.7, 1974; Sax, 1987).
Definition
ChEBI: Ethylenethiourea is a member of imidazolidines.
General Description
White to pale green crystals or an off-white solid. Odorless when pure, but technical product may have an amine odor.
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Ethlenethiourea may be sensitive to prolonged exposure to light. 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. May react with acids to liberate hydrogen sulfide.
Hazard
Questionable carcinogen.
Health Hazard
Ethylene thiourea (ETU) is an
antithyroid substance and animal carcinogen.
Fire Hazard
Ethylene thiourea is combustible.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Contact allergens
Ethylene thiourea, a thiourea derivative, is a rubber chemical. It caused contact dermatitis mainly in rubber workers.
Potential Exposure
Ethylene thiourea is used extensively
as an accelerator in the curing of polychloroprene
(Neoprene) and other elastomers; as a vulcanizing accelerator in rubber processing; in electroplating baths. In addition, exposure to ethylene thiourea also results from the
very widely used ethylene bisdithiocarbamate fungicides.
Ethylene thiourea may be present as a contaminant in the
ethylene bisdithiocarbamate fungicides and can also be
formed when food containing the fungicides is cooked
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.Medical observation is recommended for 24- 48 h after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may bedelayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor orauthorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray.
Carcinogenicity
Ethylene thiourea is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers, acids, acidanhydrides, acrolein. Store in a refrigerator or a cool, dryplace. A regulated, marked area should be establishedwhere this chemical is handled, used, or stored in compliance with OSHA Standard 1910.1045.
Shipping
UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical
Name Required
Purification Methods
Crystallise it from EtOH or amyl alcohol. [Beilstein 24 III/IV 22.]
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides, acid anhydrides, and
acrolein
Toxics Screening Level
The current initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for ethylene thiourea is 0.28 μg/m3 based on an annual averaging time.
Waste Disposal
Incineration in a furnace
equipped with afterburner and scrubber.
