 Spacefill model of hydrogen sulfide | |
| Formula | H2S |
|---|---|
| Phase at room temp. | Gas |
| Density | 2.1 g/cm3 |
| Molar Mass | 34.08 g |
| K constant | 1.1 * 10-7 |
Hydrogen sulfide or Hydrosulfuric acid is a weak acid with the formula H
2S. It is a colorless gas with the characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs; it is heavier than air, very poisonous, corrosive, flammable, and explosive.
Hydrosulfuric acid dissociates in an aqueous solution with the following reaction to form a conjugate base of HS- : H2S + H2O --> H3O+ + HS-
Hydrosulfuric acid reacts with the strong base NaOH in the following reaction : H2S + 2NaOH --> 2H2O + Na2S
Hydrosulfuric acid reacts with the weak base NH4OH in the fowllowing reaction : 2NH4OH + H2S = (NH4)2S + 2 H2O
Hydrogen sulfide naturally occurs in both crude oil and volcanic craters and is produced through the natural breakdown of animal waste. Because of this hydrogen sulfide is commonly separated for industrial use from the other gases produced by bacterial breakdown of organic matter. While it is most often considered a contaminant it may be used as a disinfectant. Hydrogen sulfide may also be used to produce pure Sulfur and to produce Sulfuric acid. Because of it's few uses and the extreme dangers related to it, Hydrosulfuric acid is generally substituted with a less poisonous acid.
Hydrogen sulfide has almost no Non-Industrial uses other than it's use as a disenfectant because of how toxic it is.
Properties & Dangers edit
Hydrogen sulfide is slightly heavier than air. Concentrated mixtures of Hydrogen Sulfide and oxygen are flammable enough to explode on contact with a flame. Contact with Hydrogen Sulfide gas in concentrations above 100 parts per million may cause death within 48 hours.
Works Cited edit
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 Feb. 2015. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
- "Hydrogen Sulfide | H2S - PubChem." Hydrogen Sulfide | H2S - PubChem. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.
- "Safety and Health Topics | Hydrogen Sulfide." Safety and Health Topics | Hydrogen Sulfide. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.