Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) is a chelating agent of value in the treatment of acute nickel carbonyl poisoning; it greatly increases the excretion of nickel in the urine (Sunderman, 1971). DDC can be given orally in moderately severe poisoning, initially at a rate of 50 mg/kg in divided doses.
The diethyldithiocarbamate anion forms the basis of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes. The ligands coordinate to many "softer" metals via the two sulfur atoms.
Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate is the organosulfur compound with the formula NaS2CN(C2H5)2. It is a pale yellow, water soluble salt.
Diethyldithiocarbamate inhibits superoxide dismutase, which can both have antioxidant and oxidant effects on cells, depending on the time of administration.
