Ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2(Sx))

Chemical Properties

exists only in solution; yellow unstable solution with an odor of H2S; prepared by dissolving H2S gas in 28% NH4OH solution, then dissolving excess sulfur; used as an analytical chemistry reagent and as an insect spray [HAW93]

General Description

A ruby red liquid with a strong odor of ammonia. Corrosive to eyes and skin. Ingestion severely burns and corrodes all parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Avoid inhalation of the fumes. When heated or diluted, solutions may evolve hydrogen sulfide and ammonia vapors.

Air & Water Reactions

Denser than water and dissolves in water with some precipitation of elemental sulfur.

Reactivity Profile

When heated or diluted, solutions may evolve hydrogen sulfide and ammonia vapors. Inorganic sulfides, such as AMMONIUM POLYSULFIDE, are generally basic and therefore incompatible with acids. Many of these compounds are reducing agents and therefore react vigorously with oxidizing agents, including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides. Simple salts of sulfides (such as sodium, potassium, and ammonium sulfide) react vigorously with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas. Aqueous ammonia and Hg react to form an explosive solid, likely a fulminate. (Thodos, G. Amer. Inst. Chen. Engrs. J., 1964, 10, 274.).

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.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by skin contact. See also AMMONIUM HYDROSULFIDE. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NOx, SOx, and H2S.