Chemical Properties
colourless solid; turns brownish-red on
Chemical Properties
Potassium sulfide is a brownish-red crystalline
solid.
General Description
A red crystalline solid. Denser than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion.
Reactivity Profile
A reducing agent. So readily oxidized as to be pyrophoric in air [Bretherick 1979 p. 120]. POTASSIUM SULFIDE, HYDRATED, WITH NOT LESS THAN 30% WATER OF CRYSTALLIZATION(1312-73-8) is incompatible with chloroform and nitrogen oxide.
Air & Water Reactions
May spontaneously ignite with exposure to air. Deliquescent. Water soluble
Hazard
Flammable, dangerous fire risk, may ignite
spontaneously, explosive in the form of dust or pow-
der.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Potassium sulfide is used as a reagent
in analytical chemistry; and in pharmaceutical preparations.
Fire Hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
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, includ-
ing 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?48 hours after breathing overexpo-
sure, 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
UN1382 Potassium sulfide, anhydrous or
Potassium sulfide with ＜30% water of crystallization,
Hazard Class: 4.2; Labels: 4.2-Spontaneously combustible
material.
Incompatibilities
May explosively decompose from shock,
friction, or concussion. Dust or granules may spontaneously
ignite on contact with air. The aqueous solution is a strong
base; reacts violently with strong acids and acid fumes. The
solid material decomposes on contact with acids producing
hydrogen sulfide, and oxidizers producing sulfur dioxide.
Production Methods
Potassium sulfide, K2S, yellowish to reddish solid, soluble, formed by heating potassium sulfate and carbon to a high temperature; potassium hydrogen sulfide, potassium bisulfide, potassium acid sulfide KHS, formed in solution by reaction of potassium hydroxide or carbonate solution and excess H2S.
