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.
Chemical Properties
yellow to orange fuming liquid
Uses
To apply patina to bronze, in photographic developers, in textile manufacture, in trace metal analysis.
General Description
Ammonium sulfide aqueous solution is a colorless to yellow liquid, with an odor of rotten eggs or ammonia. Material in aqueous from the hydrosulfide which with acid forms H2S. AMMONIUM SULFIDE, SOLUTION(12135-76-1) may be irritating to skin, eyes and mucous membranes and may cause illness from skin absorption. AMMONIUM SULFIDE, SOLUTION(12135-76-1) may burn and/or emit toxic fumes if heated to high temperatures.
Reactivity Profile
AMMONIUM SULFIDE SOLUTION is a strongly alkaline aqueous solution. Reacts with acids to generate toxic gaseous hydrogen sulfide. Reacts with bases to release gaseous ammonia. May react vigorously with oxidizing agents, including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides. Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic hydrogen sulfide gas is released when solution is heated. If ignited, this will form irritating sulfur dioxide gas [USCG, 1999].
Air & Water Reactions
Readily oxidized to be pyrophoric in air [Bretherick 1979 p. 120]. Ammonium sulfide is slowly decomposed by moisture giving off hydrogen sulfide, a flammable gas. Heat is generated when the pure compound is first dissolved in water.
Health Hazard
Inhalation of 500 ppm for 30 min. produces headaches, dizziness, bronchial pneumonia; 600 ppm for 30 min. can cause death. Ingestion causes severe irritation of mucous membranes and stomach. Contact with liquid causes severe burns of eyes and severe skin irritation. May be absorbed through skin and cause hydrogen sulfide poisoning.
Potential Exposure
It is used in photographic developers,
synthetic flavors, coloring metals (i.e., to apply patina to
bronze); and to make textiles.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic hydrogen sulfide gas is released when solution is heated. If ignited, this will form irritating sulfur dioxide gas.
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
Unstable, decomposes at ambient temperature; forms yellow crystals below -18°C; hygroscopic; soluble in water and alcohol, very soluble in liquid ammonia.
Industrial uses
Ammonium sulfide (NH4)2S is a liquid with an obnoxious odor and because of this, it is
not normally used in mineral processing. However, this is the most effective depressant
for bornite and covellite. Essentially, (NH4)2S dissolves excess sulfur from the mineral
surface, that allows other depressants to adsorb onto the mineral surface. In
copper–lead separation, from a bulk concentrate containing covellite and bornite,
(NH4)2S can effectively be used together with cyanide.
