Carbon disulfide (CS₂): chemistry and reaction pathways

Carbon disulfide (CS₂) exhibits unique chemical properties and multifunctional reactivity that render it indispensable in the synthesis of diverse organic molecules. Despite its simple structure, CS₂ exhibits unique chemical properties that have established it as a versatile and indispensable reagent in organic synthesis. The electrophilic nature of the carbon center, combined with the nucleophilicity of the sulfur atoms, enables CS₂ to participate in a wide array of reactions, making it a key sulfur source for the introduction of sulfur functionalities into organic molecules. The ambident nature of CS₂ allows it to interact effectively with a range of nucleophiles-including amines, thiols, and organometallic reagents-leading to key intermediates such as dithiocarbamates and xanthates. Its electrophilic carbon flanked by nucleophilic sulfurs facilitates diverse synthetic pathways, encompassing nucleophilic substitution, addition across unsaturated bonds, cycloaddition, and transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. These transformations have significantly advanced the efficient synthesis of sulfur-rich compounds, including dithiocarbonates, thioesters, thioketones, and various sulfur heterocycles. This review delineates the pivotal role of CS₂ in contemporary organic synthesis.