1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) stands out as a specialty chemical well-known in various research spaces and fine chemical industries. With the systematic name revealing both imidazole units bridged by a thiocarbonyl group, its structure leads to a unique set of physical and chemical characteristics. Experience from years spent handling and discussing reagents for peptide synthesis and other organic transformations shows this molecule in solid demand where controlled reactivity and selectivity matter. Its structure consists of two imidazole rings connected through a central carbon that is double-bonded to a sulfur atom. Chemists have used it to create thioesters from carboxylic acids, among other targeted syntheses. Unlike many basic reagents, this material requires careful handling due to its reactivity and possible hazardous nature upon improper exposure.
The typical state of 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) at room temperature is a crystalline solid. In the laboratory, it often appears as pale yellow flakes or a fine powder, with some suppliers offering pearls or granules to ease handling. Its density registers at roughly 1.36 g/cm3, reflecting a compact molecular arrangement inferred from the rigid imidazole-thiocarbonyl-imidazole core. The empirical formula, C7H6N4S, leads to a molecular weight near 178.22 g/mol, a detail vital for anyone measuring raw materials for any scale of reaction. Its melting point sits between 142°C and 146°C, which means it resists softening or liquefaction under standard conditions, yet transitions relatively sharply under controlled warming—a fact confirming the consistent quality expected in high-purity samples. Observation in chemical storage routines confirms its stability under dry, sealed conditions. Direct sunlight, humidity, or open air can hasten decomposition and impact its hazard profile.
Manufacturers and distributors provide 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) with a range of purities, usually from 97% up to 99%. High purity is critical not only for pharmaceutical research but also in advanced materials development, where trace impurities can change biological outcomes or alter physical property measurements. Product packaging adjusts to meet needs from milligram research quantities to bulk requirements—powder for reactions, flakes for weighing (rarely clumped, ensuring accuracy), and even as a portion of premixed solutions tailored to end-user convenience. For shipping and customs, its Harmonized System Code is commonly listed under 2933.99, which serves as the legal classification for heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen. This transparency is necessary for laboratories and importers facing regulatory compliance or cross-border paperwork, as international standards around harmful or hazardous chemicals become stricter.
The chemical structure of 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) sets it apart as both a thiocarbonyl compound and a bis-imidazole derivative. A central carbon is double-bonded to a sulfur atom (thione group) and singly bonded to each of two nitrogen-containing aromatic rings. This arrangement steers not only its reactivity pattern but also its solubility and stability. In practice, its crystalline solid form makes handling straightforward, though gloves and masks remain essential, since dust or small particulates can act as irritants. Recent literature has documented the role of this structure in facilitating reactions under mild conditions, making it popular in both green chemistry approaches and traditional organic synthesis labs.
Working with 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) calls for careful attention to laboratory safety. It is generally classified as hazardous, displaying irritant properties, particularly toward eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract. Laboratory experience highlights the importance of a fume hood and full protective gear during weighing or mixing, as even trace amounts of dust can provoke skin or airway sensitivities. It is not classed as extremely toxic like some industrial organosulfur reagents, but standard safe handling measures apply: sealed containers, dry storage, and away from strong acids or oxidants. Disposal follows guidelines for hazardous organic solids, and emergency procedures align with those for chemical injury—plenty of water for flushing and urgent medical attention if contact or ingestion occurs.
Production of 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) depends on supply chains for imidazole and thiocarbonyl halides, and consistency in raw materials means reliable performance batch after batch. Researchers who rely on this compound—whether in peptide coupling, pharmaceutical synthesis, or academic exploration—value uninterrupted sourcing above all. The market remains sensitive to fluctuations in raw thiocarbonyl supply or more stringent rules on chemical transport and trade. Users from experience know the impact that delays in shipment or changes in specifications can have on ongoing projects. Direct purchasing from reputable suppliers with full traceability and certificates of analysis has become standard practice, especially in regulated laboratories or environments governed by ISO or GLP standards.
This material finds its way into laboratories and pilot plants as free-flowing powder, compact pearls, solid flakes, or dissolved in appropriately dry solvents for immediate use. Each format influences storage, dosing, and waste management practices. The powder form enables fast dissolution but tends to cling electrostatically, requiring antistatic containers or careful manipulation. Flakes and pearls offer better control for weighing larger quantities, particularly in scaled-up synthesis. Crystalline quality impacts filtration and washing, two key steps in many reaction clean-ups. As with so many specialty reagents, experience in the lab guides format choice: those who have struggled with powdery spills or sticky residues learn quickly how to minimize loss and maximize safety.
The full potential of 1,1'-Thiocarbonylbis(imidazole) in modern chemistry comes from a blend of innovation, consistent quality, and respect for its hazards. As the industry moves toward greener processes and tighter regulatory oversight, demand for reliable specifications and safer handling grows. Solutions start with suppliers offering robust safety documentation, clear hazard communication, and customer support for correct usage and disposal. Researchers and syntheses teams invest in adequate training for new staff, modernize storage facilities, and install protective equipment in line with best practices. Ultimately, those who rely on its unique reactivity in fields from drug discovery to materials science find that thorough attention to every aspect of sourcing, handling, and disposal shapes both productivity and safety—from the smallest benchtop experiment to multi-kilo manufacturing runs.
