Methylene dithiocyanate is an industrial fungicide that is harmful to humans. It exhibits potent efficacy against mucus-producing bacteria, spore-forming bacteria, and fungi, and may be employed as a wood preservative to combat wood rot, termites, mould, and decay. It may also be utilised in paper mills and water-cooling systems.
Colorless needle-like crystals or yellow crystalline powder. Melting point 102-104 ℃. Soluble in dioxane, dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in other organic solvents. The solubility in room temperature water is 2300 ppm. It is very sensitive to pH, and hydrolyzes quickly above pH=8.
Methylene Dithiocyanate emulsion is used as bactericide.
Synthesis of methylene dithiocyanate: under pressure, add excess sodium thiocyanate (or sodium thiocyanate) and dichloromethane into the reaction kettle, start stirring, and heat up to 80-100°C at the same time. After the reaction is completed, dichloromethane is recovered, and the solid-liquid two phases are separated to obtain a crude methylene dithiocyanate.
ChEBI: Methylene dithiocyanate is a member of the class of thiocyanates that is methane in which two of the hycrogens have been replaced by thiocyanato groups. Used as a biocide for the control of various pathogens and algae in industrial water systems and as a fungicide for the control of surface moulds and sapstain fungi on wood. It has a role as a fungicide and an antibacterial agent.
Methylenebis(thiocyanate) appears as yellow to light orange-colored mass or yellow powder. (NTP, 1992)
May be sensitive to prolonged exposure to air. Decomposes in water (not vigorously) and more rapidly in boiling water.
Methylenedithiocyanate reacts vigorously with strong bases and strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide. Hydrolyzes slowly with water at boiling temperatures and reacts slowly and exothermically with aqueous acids .
Methylene dithiocyanate is a corrosive substance that causes burns. This compound is irritating to the eyes and skin, potentially inducing skin sensitisation and lacrimation. It is toxic if inhaled or ingested. Symptoms of exposure include severe ocular damage, skin and respiratory tract irritation, corrosion, respiratory distress, pulmonary oedema, and allergic skin reactions. When heated and decomposed, it releases toxic nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxide fumes; exercise caution during handling.
Flash point data for Methylenedithiocyanate are not available; however, Methylenedithiocyanate is probably combustible.
Mode of action is not clear but thought to be due to a competitive inhibition of cell respiration
Poison by ingestion,
intravenous, and subcutaneous routes.
When heated to decomposition it emits very
toxic fumes of NOx and SOx.
