ZINC DIBUTYLDITHIOCARBAMATE

Dithiocarbamate compounds were developed in the early-to-mid 20th century and rapidly found broad industrial use because of their ability to mediate sulfur chemistry. 
Zinc dithiocarbamates — including zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate — became important accelerators in the rubber industry because zinc complexes stabilize intermediate sulfur species and significantly speed vulcanization while often improving physical properties of the cured elastomer. 
Beyond rubber chemistry, certain zinc dithiocarbamates are used as fungicides/antimicrobials and in some specialty applications where metal-dithiocarbamate coordination chemistry is exploited
Name(s): Zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate; Zinc N,N-dibutyl dithiocarbamate; zinc bis(dibutyldithiocarbamate); ZDBC; Butyl Zimate; Butazate (trade names and synonyms vary by supplier). 
The FDA Inventory also lists ZDBC and several alternate names for indirect food-contact listing entries. 
 
CAS Number: 136-23-2.
Manufacturing and synthetic routes
General route
Typical industrial synthesis follows formation of the dithiocarbamate anion from N,N-dibutylamine and carbon disulfide (CS₂) under basic conditions (e.g., aqueous NaOH), producing sodium dibutyldithiocarbamate. 
Subsequent metathesis with a zinc source (Zn²⁺ salt such as ZnSO₄, ZnCl₂ or Zn(OAc)₂) precipitates the zinc salt:
N,N-dibutylamine + CS₂ + base → sodium dibutyldithiocarbamate
2 R₂NCS₂⁻ Na⁺ + Zn²⁺ → Zn(R₂NCS₂)₂ (precipitate) + 2 Na⁺
Industrial parameters (solvent, temperature, stoichiometry) are optimized to produce crystalline ZDBC with the desired particle size and residual impurities profile. 
Post-precipitation washing and drying yield the solid product which can be milled/sieved to target specifications for rubber compounding. 
Supplier documents and technical data sheets describe >98% purity grades and typical particle characteristics. 
 
Purity considerations and by-products
Residual sodium salts, unreacted amine, CS₂ traces (if not fully reacted), and metal contaminants are typical impurities. 
Controlling water content and crystalline form is important because moisture and particle size affect dispersion and compounding behavior.
Physicochemical properties
Empirical formula: C₁₈H₃₆N₂S₄Zn. Molecular weight: ≈ 474.14 g·mol⁻¹. 
Appearance: white to off-white crystalline powder (sometimes light pink or beige depending on impurities). 
 
Solubility: ZDBC is generally insoluble or sparingly soluble in water; it dissolves in organic solvents such as chloroform, carbon disulfide, benzene, and other non-polar solvents. Solubility in polar protic solvents (ethanol, methanol) is limited. 
Published supplier data and literature report limited aqueous solubility; exact values vary with particle size and formulation. 
 
Melting/Decomposition: Many zinc dithiocarbamates decompose on heating (sulfide and amine fragments) rather than showing a sharp classical melting point. 
Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) from supplier characterization indicates decomposition behavior consistent with ligand loss and formation of zinc sulfide at higher temperatures. 
Exact thermal data should be consulted from batch certificate or analytical reports. 
 
Physical hazards: the material may form combustible dust when dispersed in air (powdered form). SDSs recommend controlling dust formation. 
 
Spectroscopic and structural characterization
Structure: Zinc(II) is coordinated by two dibutyldithiocarbamate ligands. 
The ligand coordinates through its two sulfur atoms (S–S chelation), giving a tetrahedral/near-tetrahedral zinc coordination environment in many solid structures (confirmed by X-ray crystallography for related zinc dithiocarbamates). 
Databases (PubChem, NIST) supply 2D/3D structures and InChI/InChIKey identifiers. 
 
IR spectroscopy: characteristic C–S stretching and N–C=S (dithiocarbamate) bands; S–C and S–Zn related vibrations are observed in the fingerprint region. 
¹H NMR / ¹³C NMR: signals consistent with n-butyl chains; however, paramagnetism is not an issue (Zn²⁺ is d¹⁰) so spectra are interpretable. 
Mass spectrometry: ligand fragments, molecular ion peaks may be observed depending on ionization method.
 
Mechanism of action as a vulcanization accelerator
Role in sulfur vulcanization
ZDBC functions as an accelerator (commonly classified as an ultra-accelerator) in sulfur vulcanization of elastomers. 
The dithiocarbamate ligand is a sulfur donor and forms transient intermediate complexes with elemental sulfur and with zinc, facilitating rapid sulfur transfer to polymer chains. 
In practical terms, ZDBC lowers cure time (tc90), increases cure rate, and can affect scorch safety (time before onset of crosslinking), depending on concentration and presence of secondary accelerators such as sulfenamides or thiazoles. 
It often acts synergistically with zinc oxide (when present) and conventional accelerators. 
 
Kinetic and network effects
Faster kinetics: ZDBC can permit shorter vulcanization cycles — valuable in high throughput production (tires, belts).
Crosslink structure: Dithiocarbamates typically favor polysulfidic crosslinks early in cure; subsequent aging and reversion can alter crosslink distribution. 
Formulation and cure schedule determine the final balance of mono-, di-, and polysulfidic crosslinks and thus final mechanical properties (tensile strength, hysteresis, fatigue). 
 
Processing trade-offs
Because ZDBC is a very active accelerator, its use requires careful scorch safety management (e.g., delayed addition, use of retarders, temperature control) to prevent premature curing during processing. 
Manufacturers often specify maximum recommended loadings and procedures to avoid processing defects. 
Applications and formulations
Rubber industry
Primary use: accelerator in sulfur cure systems for natural rubber and many synthetic elastomers (NR, SBR, BR, EPDM, etc.). 
Typical products: tires, hoses, belts, gaskets, seals, footwear soles. 
ZDBC may be used alone or together with other accelerators to tailor cure curves and final properties. 
Supplier technical notes describe recommended loadings (often small percentages by weight; exact formulations depend on polymer, filler content, and processing). 
 
Agricultural/biocidal uses
Some zinc dithiocarbamates can exhibit antifungal/biocidal properties and have been applied in specialized formulations — though regulatory constraints for agricultural application vary by country. PubChem and other databases note antifungal activity for certain zinc dithiocarbamates. 
 
Specialty uses
 
ZDBC can appear in specialty applications where metal-dithiocarbamate chemistry is desirable (e.g., as intermediate in materials chemistry, stabilizers, or small-scale research reagent). Many suppliers sell ZDBC as a research or technical grade chemical. 
 
Analytical methods and quality control
Typical assays
Elemental analysis (C, H, N, S, Zn): to confirm stoichiometry and detect impurities.
Infrared spectroscopy (IR): to confirm dithiocarbamate functional groups.
HPLC / GC (after derivatization): for assessing ligand purity or residual amines.
TGA/DSC: to define thermal stability and decomposition profile.
ICP-OES / AAS: to quantify Zn and trace metals.
XRD / single-crystal XRD: for crystalline phase identification where needed.
 
Specification parameters
Commercial product specifications commonly state assay (%), loss on drying, particle size distribution, bulk density, and levels of residual sodium or free amine. 
Certificates of analysis (COA) are provided by suppliers for each lot. 
 
Physical processing and compatibility
ZDBC is typically supplied as a dry powder. For rubber compounding it must be dispersed evenly into the polymer matrix — particle size and surface characteristics influence dispersion. 
ZDBC is compatible with common fillers (carbon black, silica) and oils, but compatibility with certain antioxidants or anti-ozonants should be verified because interactions can affect cure kinetics. 
ZDBC is sometimes combined with other accelerators (e.g., sulfenamides) to tune scorch and cure balance. 
Careful control of mixing sequence (masterbatching) and addition point is essential to avoid premature vulcanization ("scorch"). 
 
Environmental fate and biodegradation
ZDBC is a metal-organic complex; environmental fate involves both ligand transformation and fate of zinc. Dithiocarbamates can degrade under environmental conditions (hydrolysis, oxidation) to form various sulfur-containing fragments and free zinc ions; however, degradation pathways, rates, and metabolites depend strongly on pH, redox conditions, presence of sunlight, and microbial activity. Because of the zinc content, persistence assessments consider both organic ligand degradation and metal partitioning to sediment or biota. 
Many SDSs and regulatory dossiers classify the substance as hazardous to aquatic life (see section on ecotoxicology). 
Comprehensive environmental fate modeling requires experimental data for the specific formulation and release scenario.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ZINC DIBUTYLDITHIOCARBAMATE

 
 
 
 
 
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product