what is the formula for carbon sulfide
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: The formula for carbon sulfide is CS₂.
Explanation:
Carbon sulfide, also known as carbon disulfide, is a chemical compound made of carbon and sulfur. Its molecular formula is CS₂, which indicates that it contains one carbon atom and two sulfur atoms. This compound is structurally similar to carbon dioxide (CO₂), where oxygen atoms are replaced by sulfur atoms.
Carbon disulfide is a linear molecule. The carbon atom forms double bonds with each of the sulfur atoms. This linear geometry results from the arrangement of electrons around the central carbon atom, which follows the rules of valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory. Because carbon typically forms four bonds and sulfur can form two, the bonding in CS₂ is established through two double bonds between carbon and each sulfur atom. These bonds are considered polar covalent due to the difference in electronegativity between carbon and sulfur, but overall, the molecule is non-polar because of its symmetrical shape.
CS₂ is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor when pure. However, commercial samples often have a foul smell due to impurities such as hydrogen sulfide. It is highly flammable and toxic if inhaled in large amounts.
In industry, carbon disulfide is used as a solvent for substances like rubber, phosphorus, and iodine. It also plays a role in the production of rayon and cellophane. Additionally, it is involved in the manufacture of pesticides and in the vulcanization of rubber.
Its chemical reactivity is notable, as CS₂ can undergo a variety of chemical reactions due to the presence of sulfur. It can participate in nucleophilic addition reactions and is often used as a reagent in organic synthesis.
Understanding the formula and structure of CS₂ is essential in both industrial chemistry and academic study.
