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/cm
3; 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.
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:
2NH
2HS +
2S → (NH
4)
2S
3 + H
2S.
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.
