In this article we will consider the production of hydrogen sulfide from sulfur. Let's take a closer look at the physical and chemical properties of this substance.
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In order to analyze the main production of hydrogen sulfide, it is necessary to find out the features of its structure. The composition of this substance contains one sulfur atom and two hydrogen. They are non-metals, so covalent polar bonds form between the elements. Hydrogen sulfide has an angular structure. An angle of 92 degrees forms between sulfur and hydrogen, which is slightly less than in water.
Physical properties
The smell of hydrogen sulfide, reminiscent of rotten eggs, is familiar to everyone. Under normal conditions, this substance is in a gaseous state. It is colorless, poorly soluble in water, poisonous. On average, at 20 degrees Celsius, 2.4 volumes of hydrogen sulfide will dissolve in water. Hydrogen sulfide water has slightly acidic properties, the dissociation of the substance proceeds stepwise. Toxic hydrogen sulfide is dangerous even in small doses. The content of about 0.1 percent hydrogen sulfide in the air leads to paralysis of the respiratory center withloss of consciousness. For example, the legendary naturalist Pliny the Elder died in the 79th century BC precisely from hydrogen sulfide, which was formed during the eruption of Vesuvius.
The reason for the toxic effect of hydrogen sulfide is its chemical interaction with blood hemoglobin. The iron contained in this protein forms sulfide with hydrogen sulfide.
The maximum allowable concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the air is 0.01 mg/l. As an antidote, inhalation of pure oxygen or air, which contains a small amount of chlorine, is used.
Working with hydrogen sulfide requires compliance with certain safety rules. All experiments concerning this gaseous substance are carried out in hermetically sealed devices and fume hoods.
Methods for producing hydrogen sulfide
What is the production of hydrogen sulfide in the laboratory? The most common option is the interaction of hydrogen with sulfur. This chemical reaction is related to a compound, carried out in a fume hood.
In addition, the production of hydrogen sulfide is also possible in the exchange between solid iron sulfide (2) and a solution of sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. To obtain such a result, it is enough to take several pieces of sulfide into a test tube, not exceeding the size of a pea. Next, an acid solution is added to the test tube (up to half the volume), closed with a gas outlet tube. The device is placed under the hood, the test tube is heated. Chemical interaction is accompanied by the release of gas bubbles. This production of hydrogen sulfideallows you to create a quantity of a substance sufficient to consider its chemical properties.
What other ways are there? In the laboratory, it is allowed to obtain hydrogen sulfide by reacting metallic iron (under a hood) with crystalline sulfur, followed by reacting the sulfide with sulfuric acid.
Chemical properties
Hydrogen sulfide interacts with atmospheric oxygen, it burns in a bluish color. In the case of complete combustion, the reaction products are sulfur oxide (4) and water. Given that furnace gas is an acidic oxide, in solution it forms a weak sulfurous acid, turning blue litmus paper red.
In case of insufficient amount of hydrogen sulfide, crystalline sulfur is formed. This process is considered an industrial way to obtain pure sulfur from hydrogen sulfide.
This chemical has also been shown to have excellent recovery abilities. They appear, for example, when interacting with s alts, halogens. In order to carry out a similar reaction under laboratory conditions, a solution of hydrogen sulfide is poured into test tubes with chlorine and bromine, discoloration is observed. The formation of crystalline sulfur is observed as a reaction product.
During the chemical reaction of hydrogen sulfide with water, the hydroxonium cation H3O+ is formed.
Hydrogen sulfide is able to form two types of compounds: sulfides (medium s alts) and hydrosulfides (acid s alts).
Alkali and alkaline earth metal sulfides are colorlesscompounds. In heavy metals (copper, nickel, lead), they are black. Manganese sulfide has a pink color. Many s alts do not dissolve in water.
Qualitative reaction to sulfides is the interaction with a solution of copper sulfate (2). The product of such an interaction will be the precipitation of a black precipitate of copper sulfide (2).
Conclusion
In nature, this substance is found in mineral springs, volcanic gases. This compound is a decay product of animal and plant organisms, it is distinguished by the characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide. Natural sulfides are found in the composition of rare metals; in metallurgy, the corresponding elements are obtained from them. It is important to remember that hydrogen sulfide is a strong toxic substance.
