Dimethyl trithiocarbonate

Dimethyl trithiocarbonate is an organic compound with the chemical formula. It is a methyl ester of trithiocarbonic acid. This chemical belongs to a subcategory of esters called thioesters. It is a sulfur analog of dimethyl carbonate, where all three oxygen atoms are replaced with sulfur atoms. Dimethyl trithiocarbonate is a yellow liquid with a strong and unpleasant odor.

Synthesis

In terms of its name, dimethyl trithiocarbonate is formally derived by esterification of trithiocarbonic acid with methanethiol.
One synthesis starts from thiophosgene as described in this simplified equation:
Alternatively, it can be prepared by treating carbon disulfide with aqueous base, a phase-transfer catalyst, and methyl iodide.

Uses

Dimethyl trithiocarbonate is used in preparation of methyl-β,β′-dicarbonyldithiocarboxylate derivatives, in generation of radicals, and in preparation of β-oxodithiocarboxylates. Dimethyl trithiocarbonate is also a useful reagent in the preparation of 2-mercaptoquinoline and its analogues which are potential antileishmanial agents.

Hazards and toxicity

Dimethyl trithiocarbonate is combustible. Upon catching fire, irritating, suffocating and toxic gases are released, like carbon oxides and sulfur oxides.