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.