Rubber accelerators are essential to the vulcanization process because they hasten the cross-linking reactions that convert unvulcanized rubber into materials that are flexible and resilient. 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), which is produced by a multistep method involving numerous reagents and reactions, is one frequently used rubber accelerator. Aniline and carbon disulfide combine to produce N-phenylthiocarbamide, an intermediate that is used in the production of MBT. Typically, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is present during this reaction as a catalyst. This step's equation is as follows: C6H5NHCSNH2 + Na2CO3 → C6H5NHNH2 + CS2 + NaOH Sulfur is subsequently added to the resultant N-phenylthiocarbamide to produce the required 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole. This reaction, which releases hydrogen sulfide gas, is frequently carried out with a base like sodium hydroxide present: C6H4(SH)(NH2)CSNH2 + H2S C6H5NHCSNH2 + NaOH → C7H5NS2Na + H2O 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), the finished product, is a powder that is pale yellow in color and has a distinct smell. It is a vital part of the rubber industry, as it is used to make tires, belts, and hoses, among other rubber products. N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS), which is produced by an alternative mechanism, is another significant rubber accelerator. Carbon disulfide, cyclohexylamine, and 2-aminobenzothiazole are reacted to create CBS. The creation of an intermediate called N-Cyclohexylthiocarbamoyl-2-aminobenzothiazole allows this reaction to proceed: C6H4(NH2)CSNH2 → C6H11NHCSNH2 + C6H4NHCSNH2 + CS2 Next, this intermediate is oxidized with hydrogen peroxide to yield N-Cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfenamide (CBS): C13H16N2OS2 + 2H2O → C6H11NHCSNH2 + H2O2 A powdery white to light yellow substance with a faint odor is the resultant CBS. It is an essential accelerator in the rubber business, much as MBT, helping rubber compounds vulcanize more effectively. In conclusion, several steps are involved in the synthesis of rubber accelerators like MBT and CBS, which turn raw materials into vital elements needed for rubber vulcanization. These accelerators are essential to the manufacturing of premium rubber goods, which are widely utilized throughout numerous global industries.
