Carbon disulfide appears as a clear colorless to light yellow volatile liquid with a strong disagreeable odor. Boiling point 46° C. Flash point -22°F. Flammable over a wide vapor/air concentration range(1%-50%). Vapors are readily ignited; the heat of a common light bulb may suffice. Insoluble in water and more dense (10.5 lb / gal) than water. Hence sinks in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Used in the manufacture of rayon and cellophane, in the manufacture of flotation agents and as a solvent.

It is mainly used as a raw material for the production of viscose fibers and cellophane.Xanthates produced from carbon disulfide are used as ore flotation agents in the metallurgical industry.It is used in the manufacture of agricultural pesticides.It can serve as a solvent for sulfur chloride during vulcanization in the rubber industry.It is used to produce corrosion inhibitors for equipment and pipelines in ammonia treatment systems.It is also used as a solvent for the detection of primary amines, secondary amines and α-amino acids, refractive index measurement, and chromatographic analysis.It is also used for extracting oils and fats from linseed, olives, animal bones, leather and wool.It is used as an aviation lubricant.