Diphenyl sulfide

Diphenyl sulfide is an organosulfur compound with the chemical formula (C6H5)2S, often abbreviated as Ph2S, where Ph stands for phenyl. It is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant odor. Diphenyl sulfide is an aromatic sulfide. The molecule consists of two phenyl groups attached to a sulfur atom.

Synthesis, reactions, occurrence
Many methods exist for the preparation of diphenyl sulfide. It arises by a Friedel-Crafts-like reaction of sulfur monochloride and benzene. Diphenyl sulfide and its analogues can also be produced by coupling reactions using metal catalysts. It can also be prepared by reduction of diphenyl sulfone.

Diphenyl sulfide is a product of the photodegradation of the fungicide edifenphos.

Diphenyl sulfide is a precursor to triarylsulfonium salts, which are used as photoinitiators. The compound can be oxidized to the sulfoxide with hydrogen peroxide.