Ethylene thiourea (ETU) is an

organosulfur compound Organosulfur chemistry is the study of the properties and synthesis of organosulfur compounds, which are organic compounds that contain sulfur. They are often associated with foul odors, but many of the sweetest compounds known are organosulfur der ...

with the formula . It is an example of an ''N'',''N''-disubstituted thiourea. It is a white solid. It is synthesized by treating

ethylenediamine Ethylenediamine (abbreviated as en when a ligand) is the organic compound with the formula C2H4(NH2)2. This colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor is a basic amine. It is a widely used building block in chemical synthesis, with approximately ...

with carbon disulfide. Ethylene thioureas are an excellent accelerant of vulcanization of neoprene

rubber Rubber, also called India rubber, latex, Amazonian rubber, ''caucho'', or ''caoutchouc'', as initially produced, consists of polymers of the organic compound isoprene, with minor impurities of other organic compounds. Types of polyisoprene ...

s. In commercial use is the N,N'-diphenylethylenethiourea. Due to reproductive toxicity,

carcinogenic A carcinogen () is any agent that promotes the development of cancer. Carcinogens can include synthetic chemicals, naturally occurring substances, physical agents such as ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and Biological agent, biologic agent ...

ity, and mutagenicity, alternatives are being sought to the ethylenethioureas. One candidate replacement is N-methyl-2-thiazolidinethione. Ethylene thiourea can be used as a biomarker of exposure to ethylenebis dithiocarbamates (EBDTCs), which are frequently employed as

fungicide Fungicides are pesticides used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in losses of yield and quality. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals, ...

s in agriculture, mainly on fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants.

EPA classification

EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) has classified ethylene thiourea as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen. Ethylene thiourea has been shown to be a potent teratogen (causes birth defects) in rats orally or dermally exposed.

References

{{Reflist Thioureas

EPA classification

See also

References