Ethylene Thiourea, N,N'-Ethylene Thiourea, ETU-80, ETU80, 96-45-7
ETU-80 (ETHYLENE THIOUREA)
CAS Number: 96-45-7
EC Number (EINECS): 202-506-9
Molecular Formula: C₃H₆N₂S
Molecular Weight: 102.16 g/mol
Chemical Class: Thiourea derivative (accelerator)
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Description |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) |
Imidazolidine-2-thione |
| Other Names |
ETU, N,N'-Ethylene Thiourea, Accelerator ETU, 2-Imidazolidinethione, Ethylene Thiourea |
| CAS Number |
96-45-7 |
| EC Number (EINECS) |
202-506-9 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₃H₆N₂S |
| Molecular Weight |
102.16 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Thiourea derivative (accelerator) |
| Appearance (Powder Form) |
White to light cream powder |
| Appearance (Granule Form) |
Off-white to beige granules |
| Odor |
Slight characteristic |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
2.1. Powder Form (Pure ETU)
| Property |
Value / Range |
| Molecular Formula |
C₃H₆N₂S |
| Molecular Weight |
102.16 g/mol |
| Appearance |
White to light cream powder |
| Melting Point |
~200°C (decomposes) |
| Density |
~1.40-1.45 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) |
~2 g/100 mL (slightly soluble) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents |
Soluble in alcohol, acetone, chloroform; slightly soluble in ether |
| pH (Aqueous) |
~6-7 (neutral) |
| Flash Point |
> 150°C |
| Decomposition |
> 200°C releases sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides |
2.2. Granule Form (ETU-80)
| Property |
Value / Range |
| Appearance |
Off-white to beige granules |
| Density |
~1.27 g/cm³ |
| Active Content |
80% ETU |
| Binder Content |
20% Elastomer binder and dispersing agents |
| Form |
Pre-dispersed granules |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property |
Description |
| Chemical Class |
Thiourea derivative |
| Functional Group |
Thiourea (-NH-C(=S)-NH-) |
| Reactivity |
High; reacts with metal oxides and accelerators |
| Thiourea Character |
Forms complexes with metal ions |
| Thermal Decomposition |
> 200°C releases sulfur oxides (SOₓ) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) |
| Oxidation |
Can be oxidized to corresponding disulfides |
| Hydrolysis |
Hydrolyzes in strong acidic/basic conditions |
3.1. Key Reactions
| Reaction Type |
Description |
| Metal Oxide Reaction |
Reacts with zinc oxide and magnesium oxide in CR compounds |
| Accelerator Synergy |
Works synergistically with thiuram and dithiocarbamate accelerators |
| Sulfur Donor |
Acts as sulfur donor in some systems |
| Polychloroprene Curing |
Crosslinks polychloroprene via metal oxide activation |
3.2. Rubber Curing Mechanism
ETU is a fast accelerator primarily used for chloroprene rubber (CR) and other diene rubbers :
-
Polychloroprene (CR) Curing: ETU reacts with metal oxides (ZnO, MgO) to form active complexes that crosslink CR
-
Activator: Acts as activator and secondary accelerator in low-sulfur or sulfur-free systems
-
Fast Vulcanization: Provides rapid vulcanization for chloroprene rubber
-
Heat Resistance: Provides good heat and aging resistance in CR compounds
SECTION 4: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Description |
| Accelerator Type |
Fast accelerator |
| Primary Use |
Polychloroprene (CR) rubber |
| Function |
Vulcanization accelerator / activator / sulfur donor |
| Curing Speed |
Fast |
| Scorch Safety |
Moderate |
| Heat Resistance |
Provides good heat and aging resistance |
| Compatibility |
Excellent with polychloroprene (CR) |
| Metal Oxide Requirement |
Requires ZnO and/or MgO activation |
SECTION 5: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
5.1. Rubber Vulcanization (Primary Application)
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Chloroprene Rubber (CR) |
Primary accelerator |
High |
| Natural Rubber (NR) |
Secondary accelerator / activator |
Moderate |
| Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) |
Secondary accelerator / activator |
Moderate |
| Nitrile Rubber (NBR) |
Secondary accelerator / activator |
Moderate |
| EPDM Rubber |
Secondary accelerator / activator |
Moderate |
| Other Diene Rubbers |
Accelerator / activator |
Moderate |
5.2. Rubber Products
| Application |
Suitability |
| Hoses |
High |
| Belts (Conveyor, Drive) |
High |
| Cables |
High |
| Rubber Footwear |
High |
| General Industrial Products |
High |
| Seals and Gaskets |
High |
| Technical Rubber Goods |
High |
| Waterproofing Membranes |
High |
SECTION 6: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry |
Suitability |
Explanation |
| Chloroprene Rubber (CR) Manufacturing |
High |
Primary accelerator for CR vulcanization |
| Automotive Rubber |
High |
Hoses, belts, seals, gaskets |
| Industrial Rubber |
High |
Technical rubber products |
| Cable Industry |
High |
Insulation and sheathing |
| Rubber Footwear |
High |
Rubber soles and components |
| General Rubber Goods |
High |
Various molded and extruded products |
| Latex Products |
Limited |
Due to regulatory restrictions |
| Medical Rubber |
Limited |
Subject to regulatory restrictions (thiuram sensitization) |
SECTION 7: DOSAGE AND APPLICATION
7.1. Recommended Dosage
| Application |
Dosage (phr) |
| Chloroprene Rubber (CR) |
0.3 - 1.0 phr (with 3-5 phr ZnO) |
| Natural Rubber (NR) |
0.5 - 1.5 phr (as secondary accelerator) |
| NBR / SBR |
0.5 - 1.5 phr (as secondary accelerator) |
| Sulfurless Systems |
1.0 - 2.0 phr |
7.2. Advantages of Pre-Dispersed Form (ETU-80)
| Advantage |
Description |
| Excellent Dispersion |
Prevents localized over-cured areas |
| Consistent Performance |
Ensures stable vulcanizate properties |
| Reduced Dust |
Cleaner handling compared to powder form |
| Easy Weighing |
Granules facilitate accurate measurement |
| Shorter Mixing Time |
Suitable for compounds requiring short mixing cycles |
| Better Homogeneity |
Uniform distribution in rubber matrix |
SECTION 8: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type |
Name / Description |
| IUPAC Name |
Imidazolidine-2-thione |
| Chemical Name |
N,N'-Ethylene Thiourea |
| Commercial Names |
Accelerator ETU, Rhenogran ETU, Rhenoslab ETU |
| Common Names |
ETU, Ethylene Thiourea, 2-Imidazolidinethione |
| CAS Number |
96-45-7 |
| EC Number |
202-506-9 |
| RTECS Number |
NI9625000 |
| HS Code |
29332900 |
SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| GHS Classification |
Danger |
| Signal Word |
Danger |
| Hazard Statements |
H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H317 (May cause allergic skin reaction), H361 (Suspected of damaging fertility or unborn child), H373 (May cause organ damage through prolonged exposure) |
| Precautionary Statements |
P201 (Obtain special instructions before use), P280 (Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection), P302+P352 (IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water), P308+P313 (IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention) |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) |
~500-1,000 mg/kg |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) |
> 2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation |
Irritant; may cause contact dermatitis |
| Eye Irritation |
Irritant |
| Skin Sensitization |
Positive (allergic contact dermatitis) |
| Mutagenicity |
Negative |
| Carcinogenicity |
Not classified |
| Reproductive Toxicity |
Suspected of damaging fertility or unborn child (H361) |
| Target Organs |
Skin, eyes, thyroid, liver |
| Regulatory Restriction |
Thiuram compounds known for skin sensitization (H317) |
SECTION 10: SAFETY AND STORAGE
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature |
Room temperature (15-30°C) |
| Container |
Tightly closed, original packaging |
| Materials to Avoid |
Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases |
| Shelf Life |
24 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Packaging |
25 kg bags, 500 kg big bags |
SECTION 11: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
Not regulated (not classified as dangerous goods) |
| Hazard Class |
Not applicable |
| Packing Group |
Not applicable |
| Proper Shipping Name |
Ethylene Thiourea |
| ADR/RID |
Not regulated |
| IMDG Code |
Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) |
Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant |
No |
SECTION 12: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Fire Hazard |
Combustible dust |
| Extinguishing Media |
Water fog, CO₂, dry chemical, foam |
| Special Hazards |
When heated, releases sulfur oxides (SOₓ) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) |
| Decomposition Products |
Sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, CO, CO₂ |
| Protective Equipment |
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
SECTION 13: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter |
Information |
| Personal Protection |
Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask |
| Ventilation |
Increase ventilation |
| Cleanup Methods |
Sweep or vacuum while preventing dust formation; collect in sealed containers |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into drains |
| Waste Disposal |
According to local regulations |
SECTION 14: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route |
Action |
| Inhalation |
Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. |
| Skin Contact |
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and plenty of water. |
| Eye Contact |
Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Ingestion |
Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention. |
SECTION 15: REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region / Authority |
Status |
| EU REACH |
Registered |
| Turkey KKDİK |
Registration required |
| USA TSCA |
Listed |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation |
Not permitted |
| EINECS |
202-506-9 |
| RTECS |
NI9625000 |
| WGK (Germany) |
2 (hazardous to water) |
SECTION 16: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product |
ETU-80 (Ethylene Thiourea) |
| CAS |
96-45-7 |
| Appearance |
Off-white to beige granules |
| Active Content |
80% ETU |
| Density |
~1.27 g/cm³ |
| Primary Use |
Rubber accelerator / activator |
| Key Industries |
Chloroprene rubber, automotive rubber, industrial rubber |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Chloroprene Rubber Accelerator: ETU is the primary accelerator for chloroprene rubber (CR) vulcanization. It provides fast curing and excellent heat resistance in CR compounds.
-
Versatile Function: ETU functions as a primary accelerator for CR, activator for other rubbers, and secondary accelerator in low-sulfur or sulfur-free systems.
-
Metal Oxide Requirement: In CR compounds, ETU requires metal oxides (ZnO and/or MgO) for activation and crosslinking.
-
Reproductive Toxicity (Suspected): ETU is suspected of damaging fertility or unborn child (H361). Handle with extreme caution and appropriate PPE.
-
Skin Sensitization: ETU may cause allergic skin reactions (H317). Known sensitizer; workers with repeated exposure should be monitored.
-
Thyroid Effects: ETU is known to affect thyroid function in animal studies. Prolonged exposure should be avoided.
-
Not for Medical/Latex: Due to sensitization and toxicity concerns, ETU is not recommended for medical rubber or latex products.
-
Pre-Dispersed Form Advantage: ETU-80 form provides excellent dispersion, reduced dust, and easy weighing.
-
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids, and bases.
-
Regulatory Status: Registered under REACH. Subject to regulatory restrictions in cosmetics and medical applications.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. ETU is suspected of reproductive toxicity and is a known skin sensitizer! For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with ETU-80.