Question

Does carbon react with sulfur to form carbon disulfide?

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon disulfide is a compound having formula $C{{S}_{2}}$. The carbon atom is present in +4 oxidation state and sulfur is present in -2 oxidation state, just like in carbon dioxide. Its molecular structure is S=C=S and has a bond length of 155.26 pm.

Complete answer:
During a volcanic reaction, small amounts of $C{{S}_{2}}$ are released.
The reaction between carbon and sulfur was once used to manufacture carbon disulfide. The balanced equation for the reaction is as follows.
\[C+2S\xrightarrow{\Delta }C{{S}_{2}}\]
Here, two molecules of sulfur combine with one molecule of carbon to form one molecule of carbon disulfide.
This reaction occurs at an extremely high temperature. Coke would too be used as a source of carbon content.

Additional Information:
There is a method of synthesis of carbon disulfide which requires a much lower temperature. The balanced equation for the reaction is as follows.
\[2C{{H}_{4}}+{{S}_{8}}\xrightarrow{{}}2C{{S}_{2}}+4{{H}_{2}}S\]
Here, two molecules of methane gas combine with one molecule of octasulfur compound to form two molecules of carbon disulfide along with four molecules of hydrogen sulfide gas.
This reaction takes place at a temperature of just $600{}^\circ C$. Methane gas is used as a source of carbon and the reaction takes place in the presence of alumina catalysts or silica gel.
This method of synthesis is similar to the combustion of methane.

Note:
Carbon disulfide exists in a liquid state and is colorless. It has an "ether-like" odor, and is extremely volatile. The compound is often used as a non-polar solvent in industries and chemical reactions, and is used as a building block in organic chemistry.