The polarity of H2S and its uses
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless molecule with a chemical formula H2S. It is poisonous and has a foul odor like a rotten egg. The compound hydrogen sulphide has the chemical formula H2S . Hydrogen sulphide is a covalent molecule made up of two hydrogen atoms bound to a sulphur atom in the middle. Hydrogen sulphide, like water ( H2O ), is a hydrogen chalcogenide, which is a chemical made up of hydrogen and a group 16 element (oxygen, sulphur, selenium, and tellurium).
The polarity of H2S
So, is H2S polar or nonpolar? H2S is a slightly polar molecule because of its bent shaped geometrical structure and the small difference between the electronegativity of Hydrogen(2.2) and Sulfur(2.58) that results in a non zero dipole moment.
Other properties of H2S are:
It easily reacts with metal ions to result in metal sulfides.
It is dangerous and toxic, especially for oxygen inhalers.
Being a corrosive, it destructs metals like copper turning into green in color after the reaction.
It was discovered in the year 177 by a chemist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele. This gas is produced by human bodies and we uses it as a signaling molecule.
How to determine the polarity of H2S？
To determine the polarity of any molecule like H2S, it is equally important to find out its outside atoms, and shape.
There are two lone pairs of electrons on the central atom Sulfur that causes the H-S bond to be in a bent shape. Hence, the molecule has an odd distribution of atoms around the central atom making it non-symmetrical.
Because of its bent shape, the dipole moment is created between the H-S bonds. The greater the separation of charges more is the dipole moment between the atoms. Hence, Sulfur attracts more electrons and gains a partial negative charge.
Hydrogen is a partial positive charge as it is now left with fewer positive charges.
Since the dipole moment has a direction and magnitude, it is a vector quantity. It directs towards more electronegative atom.
When the arrows do not cancel out each other, the molecule becomes polar.
Uses of H2S
It is used to produce hydrogen and sulfuric acid.
It is widely used industrially to produce different varieties of inorganic compounds.
It is used for manufacturing pesticides for crops on a larger scale.
Hydrogen sulfide has its great use as heavy water used in nuclear power plants.
