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.
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.
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.
Hazard
Strong irritant to skin and mucous mem-
branes.
Potential Exposure
It is used in photographic developers,
synthetic flavors, coloring metals (i.e., to apply patina to
bronze); and to make textiles.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts
the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately
with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately.
If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from
exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions,
including resuscitation mask) if breathing has
stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer
promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has
been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious,
administer water or milk. Do not induce vomiting.
Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours
after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be
delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or
authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug
or other inhalation therapy.
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.
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.
Preparation
NH4HS is prepared by the reaction of an equimolar amount of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide:
2NH2HS + 2S → (NH4)2S3 + H2S.