Redox reactions in non-aqueous media: Determination of organic isothiocyanates alone, in formulations and in important mixtures

Abstract

A simple potentiometric method for the determination of organoisothiocyanates is described. The isothiocyanate is treated in acetonitrile medium with an excess of primary amine to convert it into a substituted thiourea and the surplus amine is converted into a dithiocarbamate by addition of carbon disulphide. The solution is then titrated with a copper(II) solution in acetonitrile. The three-step titration curve enables the results to be calculated on the bash of the dithiocarbamate and/or thiourea formed. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of a commercial insecticide formulation based on isothiocyanate and important mixtures containing isothiocyanates.