Diphenyl disulfide is the simplest aromatic disulfide, consisting of two phenyl rings linked by an –S–S– bridge. It is essentially odourless, stable under ambient conditions, freely soluble in hot ethanol, benzene, chloroform and dichloromethane, and practically insoluble in water (< 0.1 g L⁻¹ at 25 °C) .
Key physicochemical data:
Melting point: 62–63 °C
Boiling point: 310 °C (760 mmHg)
Density: 1.353 g cm⁻³ (20 °C, solid)
Refractive index: 1.680 (70 °C, melt)
Flash point: 178 °C (closed cup)
Vapour pressure: < 0.01 mmHg (25 °C)
Log P (octanol/water): 4.4 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Mild, odour-free reagent for the α-phenylthiation of carbonyls, the reduction of aryl-sulfonic acids to thiols, and the conversion of aryl halides to aryl thio-ethers.
Source of “PhS•” radicals for photo- and redox-initiated transformations; catalyst for stereoselective epoxide ring openings and stilbene cis/trans isomerisations .
Building block for diaryl sulfoxides/sulfones, OLED electron-transport materials, and high-purity pharmaceutical intermediates.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥99 % (dried basis)
Water content (KF): ≤0.2 %
Free thiol (as PhSH): ≤0.1 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Avoid inhalation of dust; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidants and reducing agents. SDS available on request .
