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Sodium sulfide

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Identification
Molecular formula
Na2S
CAS number
1313-82-2
IUPAC name
sodium;sulfanide
State
State

At room temperature, sodium sulfide is generally encountered as a solid. It can exist in various forms such as anhydrous or in hydrated forms, where it might take up water to form hydrates. It's important to store it in airtight containers to avoid its hygroscopic nature leading to water absorption.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 180.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 453.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 180.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 453.00
General information
Molecular weight
78.05g/mol
Molar mass
78.0450g/mol
Density
1.8560g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium sulfide typically appears as a colorless, hygroscopic solid. This compound can absorb moisture from the air, which may lead to a yellowish color due to impurities and oxidation products. The anhydrous form is usually white, while the pentahydrate is yellow.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Sulfide

Sodium sulfide (Na2S) is an interesting compound when it comes to solubility, as it is highly soluble in water. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • High Water Solubility: Sodium sulfide readily dissolves in water, creating a strongly alkaline solution.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility of Na2S may increase with temperature; thus, higher temperatures generally result in enhanced solubility.
  • Effect of pH: The solubility can be influenced by the pH of the solution; under acidic conditions, sodium sulfide can react and form different sulfide species.
  • Miscibility: It is less soluble in organic solvents, which reflects its ionic nature and preference for aqueous environments.

When discussing solubility, it is crucial to remember that the dissolution process involves the interaction of ionic compounds with water molecules. In the case of sodium sulfide, the solubility can be described as:

"The higher the affinity of the ions for water over each other, the more soluble the compound will be."

This strong solubility makes sodium sulfide a useful compound in various industrial applications, particularly in the fields of paper and pulp, textiles, and chemical manufacturing. However, its high solubility also means that care should be taken in its handling, as concentrated solutions can be caustic. In summary, the solubility of sodium sulfide underscores its versatility and importance in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Sulfide

Sodium sulfide, often referred to as Na2S, is a fascinating compound cherished for its diverse applications and unique properties. Formed from the reaction of sodium with sulfur, this compound is typically encountered as a crystalline solid.

Key Characteristics

  • Industrial Applications: Sodium sulfide plays a crucial role in various industries, especially in the manufacture of pulp and paper, where it is used in the kraft process to break down wood lignin.
  • Analytical Chemistry: This compound is particularly valued in the field of analytical chemistry as it is often used as a reagent for the detection of certain metal ions.
  • Environmental Impact: Sodium sulfide is an important player in wastewater treatment, where it helps to remove heavy metals by precipitating them as less soluble sulfides.

Fun Facts

  • Historical Use: Historically, sodium sulfide was used in the production of dyestuffs and was a key component in the early production of various dyes.
  • Odorous Characteristics: It's noteworthy that sodium sulfide emits a distinctive and pungent smell reminiscent of rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) upon exposure to moisture.
  • Hydrolysis Reaction: When sodium sulfide dissolves in water, it can undergo hydrolysis, leading to an increase in the pH of the solution, making it a strong base.

As a scientist or chemistry student, understanding the properties and applications of sodium sulfide broadens your appreciation for the role of chemical compounds in everyday processes. It's a prime example of how chemistry intersects with industry and the environment!

Synonyms
SODIUM HYDROSULFIDE
Sodium bisulfide
16721-80-5
Sodium sulfhydrate
Sodium sulfide (Na(SH))
Sodium hydrogen sulfide
Sodium mercaptan
Sodium mercaptide
NaHS
sodium sulfanide
Hydrogen sodium sulfide
Sodium sulfide (Na(HS))
Sodium hydrosulfide (Na(HS))
Sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS)
Hidrosulfuro sodics
NA2922
Hydrogenosulfure de sodium
FWU2KQ177W
NSC-158264
DTXSID3029738
DTXCID409738
240-778-0
Sodium hydrosulphide
sodium;sulfanide
Sodium Hydrogensulfide
CHEMBL1644699
Hidrosulfuro sodics [Spanish]
HSDB 5165
Hydrogenosulfure de sodium [French]
EINECS 240-778-0
MFCD00011124
UN2318
UN2949
UNII-FWU2KQ177W
NSC 158264
AI3-14915
Sodium Sulfide (Na(SH)) Hydrate; Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrate
sodiumhydrogensulfide
sodium hydro-sulfide
SODIUM BISULPHIDE
EC 240-778-0
SCHEMBL6248
SODIUM BISULFIDE [MI]
GTPL6278
SCHEMBL8425806
SCHEMBL29353883
SCHEMBL30163432
Sodium hydrogen sulfide, anhydrous
SODIUM HYDROSULFIDE [HSDB]
NSC158264
AKOS015915184
FS45162
NS00075797
A11479
A810831
Q414203
Sodium hydrosulfide, with <25% water of crystallization
Sodium hydrosulfide, with not <25% water of crystallization
Sodium hydrosulfide, with not <25% water of crystallization [UN2949] [Corrosive]
115694-77-4
Sodium hydrosulfide, with <25% water of crystallization [UN2318] [Spontaneously combustible]