Di(Benzothiazol-2-Yl) Disulphide, known among chemists and industries by its various other names, often shows up in material labs and manufacturing sites where the focus is on boosting rubber’s life and performance. This chemical typically carries the formula C14H8N2S4. Out in the world, it goes by MBTS or simply “Disulfide” in technical circles, recognized by the HS Code 2930909099 for trade and regulation. In handling this substance, you run into forms such as powder, solid, flakes, and sometimes pearls. No one expects to find it in a bottle of liquid on the shelf; it prefers to stay as a dry, free-flowing material.
The makeup of Di(Benzothiazol-2-Yl) Disulphide sets it apart in rubber chemistry. Two benzothiazole rings are connected by a disulfide bridge. This arrangement not only gives it strength as a crosslinking agent, it stands out for its relatively stable structure under normal conditions. The molecular weight usually hovers around 332.5 g/mol. It carries a slight yellow tint, with material appearing as a crystalline powder or shiny flakes. Density lands close to 1.5 g/cm3, so whether you’re scooping it as a powder or weighing it as solid pearls, the heft in your scoop speaks to its compact molecular arrangement. Unlike volatile chemicals, MBTS has low solubility in water, meaning spills are not likely to leach instantly into groundwater from a simple rinse.
If you’ve spent time watching tires, conveyor belts, or shoe soles roll off the line, MBTS often works quietly as a vulcanization accelerator. Chemists bank on its steady influence, not as fast as mercaptobenzothiazole, but much safer and less aggressive. MBTS more or less acts as a stabilizer, holding sulfur in check. By making cross-links in natural or synthetic rubber stronger, it stretches the working life of rubber in cold or hot climates. The flakes pour easily with other rubber raw materials and avoid dust problems you’d have with ultrafine powders. Rubber manufacturers value this quality, especially in production lines where reliable dosing controls both waste and mix quality.
Commercial MBTS products arrive with a minimum assay of 98% purity in most markets. Specific forms, such as flakes, powder, pearls, or crystals, all allow for slightly different handling in mass production. Bulk density often ranges from 650 to 750 kg/m3 for flakes, so filling large silos needs straightforward calculations. The melting point registers around 164 - 172°C, making it workable for standard rubber mixing operations without risk of premature breakdown. In my experience, solid MBTS can be measured accurately in weighing rooms and transfers into mixers with less fuss than some sticky or lumpy chemicals.
Working with MBTS doesn’t mean the air gets heavy with narcotic fumes, but that doesn’t put it in the harmless category. It’s wise to know that when handling or storing, good ventilation matters. Dust generation almost always leads to irritation. Direct skin, lung, or eye contact poses risks due to its chemical makeup, but safety data places MBTS at a lower toxic profile compared to many old-school accelerators. Material safety sheets highlight that the product can be hazardous in certain conditions: prolonged exposure to dust, accidental mixing with strong oxidizers, or careless storage near acids. Proper labeling and storage in a dry, well-ventilated area keep dangers at bay. In fire, it decomposes to emit sulfur oxides, so firefighting requires full protection and non-water-based suppression methods.
Chemists and workers have to respect that MBTS can persist in soils and water for significant durations. While not as aggressive as mercaptan accelerators, improper disposal can still threaten waterways and local wildlife. Studies point out its low acute toxicity to mammals but highlight a need for ongoing monitoring in rubber production hot spots. Equipment for proper handling, dust extraction, and containment minimize health risks over time. The industry keeps a close eye on REACH and other global chemical safety standards to maintain both production efficiency and health protection.
Moving forward, people working with MBTS in factories see more possibilities. Investment in improved ventilation and automated material feeders cuts down on both waste and worker exposure. Substitution with lower-hazard accelerators for certain customers aims to blunt regulatory pressure and improve safety stats on the ground. Sharing clear training and best practices keeps MBTS manageable and preserves its positive contribution to rubber durability. As environmental awareness rises, recycling cured rubber waste and new binders in the rubber industry can reduce the MBTS load in waste streams. Safe handling rules and transparent reporting build trust with surrounding communities and protect reputations long term.
