ammonium hydrogensulphide

Chemical Properties

Ammonium sulfide is a yellow crystalline (sugar or sand-like) material, commonly found in liquid solution, which is flammable. Solution has an odor of rotten eggs.

Physical properties

White tetragonal or orthorhombic crystal; density 1.17g/cm³; refractive index 1.74; unstable, sublimes readily at ordinary temperatures; vapor pressure 748 torr at 32°C; highly soluble in water, alcohol, liquid ammonia and liquid hydrogen sulfide; insoluble in benzene, hexane and ether.

Uses

In lubricants.

Definition

The true sulfide is sta- ble only in the absence of moisture and below 0C. The ammonium sulfide of commerce is largely ammonium bisulfide or hydrosulfide, NH 4 HS.

Preparation

NH4HS is prepared by the reaction of an equimolar amount of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide:
2NH₂HS + ₂S → (NH₄)₂S₃ + H₂S.

General Description

Clear, yellowish liquid. Kept basic with NaOH, as acid will release hydrogen sulfide gas. Technical grade is 40-44%. Used in photography, textiles, synthetic flavors, coloring brasses, bronzes, and iron control.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble, with release of hydrogen sulfide, especially when acidified.

Reactivity Profile

ammonium hydrogensulphide is a reducing agent. Reacts with oxidizing agents, including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides. Reacts vigorously with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas. Evolves poisonous ammonia on contact with strong bases.

Hazard

Strong irritant to skin and mucous mem- branes.

Health Hazard

May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested/swallowed. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. Moderately toxic by skin contact. Pyroforic in air. See also SULFIDES. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of SOx, NOx, and NH3. Incompatible with zinc.

Potential Exposure

It is used in photographic developers, synthetic flavors, coloring metals (i.e., to apply patina to bronze); and to make textiles.

Shipping

UN2923 Corrosive solids, toxic, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, 6.1-Poisonous material, Technical Name Required. UN2683 Ammonium sulfide solution, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, 6.1-Poisonous materials, 3-Flammable liquid

Incompatibilities

Vapor form explosive mixture with air Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Evolves poisonous ammonia on contact with strong bases. Contact with acid or acid fumes releases hydrogen sulfide. Keep away from moisture.

Waste Disposal

Add to a large volume of ferric chloride solution with stirring. Neutralize with soda ash. Flush to drain with water.

Raw materials

Preparation Products