disulfur dinitride

chemical compound

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June 25, 2026

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Disulfur dinitride (S₂N₂) is a covalent chemical compound containing nitrogen and sulfur. It is one of several sulfur nitrides, which are known for their instability and potential to form polymers. S₂N₂ is a precursor to polythiazyl ((SN)ₓ), a unique polymer that exhibits metallic properties, including electrical and thermal conductivity, and even superconductivity at very low temperatures.1

S₂N₂ is an unstable dimer with a square structure of alternating sulfur and nitrogen atoms. It is sensitive to shock and can explode when heated above 30°C (90°F). At room temperature, it slowly polymerizes into polythiazyl.1

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nitride
Sulfur nitrides
…are tetrasulfur tetranitride, S₄N₄, and disulfur dinitride, S₂N₂, because they are precursors to an unusual polymer called polythiazyl, (SN)_x. This polymeric sulfur nitride is unusual because, even though it is composed solely of two nonmetals, it exhibits some properties normally associated only with metals. The best preparation of S₄N₄ involves…
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…are tetrasulfur tetranitride, S₄N₄, and disulfur dinitride, S₂N₂, because they are precursors to an unusual polymer called polythiazyl, (SN)_x. This polymeric sulfur nitride is unusual because, even though it is composed solely of two nonmetals, it exhibits some properties normally associated only with metals. The best preparation of S₄N₄ involves…
Read More