Phosphorus Pentasulfide (P₄S₁₀)

Introduction

Organosulfur compounds are valued not only for their rich and varied chemistry, but also for many important ­biological properties. Phosphorous pentasulfide (P₄S₁₀) is very useful and versatile reagent for the synthesis of ­various ­organosulfur compounds. P₄S₁₀ is widely available as a light yellow crystalline solid. It is highly flammable and decomposes in the presence of moisture.

P₄S₁₀ has been extensively used as a thionating agent for the conversion of carbonyls into thiocarbonyls in the preparation of organosulfur compounds. It also activates the free hydroxyl group of an acid or an alcohol to create a good leaving group. It can also be used as a deoxygenating and dehydrating agent.

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