Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

Sulfide
Sulfide (British English also sulphide)[2] is an inorganic anion
Sulfide
of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound
containing one or more S2− ions. Solutions of sulfide salts are
corrosive. Sulfide also refers to chemical compounds large
families of inorganic and organic compounds, e.g. lead sulfide
and dimethyl sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and bisulfide (SH−)
are the conjugate acids of sulfide.
Names
Systematic IUPAC name
Contents Sulfide(2−)[1] (additive),
recommended name
Chemical properties Sulfanediide (substitutive)[1], not
common, rarely used,
Metal derivatives sometimes generated by
Geology automated nomenclature
software in organic chemistry
Corrosion induced by sulfide
Identifiers
Organic chemistry
CAS Number 18496-25-8 (http://w
Disulfides
ww.commonchemistr
Examples y.org/ChemicalDetail.
Preparation aspx?ref=18496-25-
Safety 8)

Nomenclature 3D model Interactive image (htt

(JSmol)
ps://chemapps.stolaf.
References
edu/jmol/jmol.php?m
odel=%5BS--%5D)
Chemical properties ChEBI CHEBI:15138 (https:/
/www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi
The sulfide ion, S2−, does not exist in aqueous alkaline solutions /searchId.do?chebiId
of Na2S.[3][4] Instead sulfide converts to hydrosulfide: =15138)

S2− + H2O → SH− + OH− ChemSpider 27079 (http://www.ch

emspider.com/Chemi
Upon treatment with an acid, sulfide salts convert to hydrogen cal-Structure.27079.
sulfide: html)
PubChem 29109 (https://pubch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 1 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

S2− + H+ → SH− CID em.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

SH− + H+ → H2S compound/29109)

Oxidation of sulfide is a complicated process. Depending on the

UNII G15I91XETI (https://f
conditions, the oxidation can produce elemental sulfur,
polysulfides, polythionates, sulfite, or sulfate. Metal sulfides react dasis.nlm.nih.gov/srs
with halogens, forming sulfur and metal salts. /srsdirect.jsp?regno=
G15I91XETI)
8 MgS + 8 I2 → S8 + 8 MgI2
InChI
InChI=1S/S/q-2
Metal derivatives Key: UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Aqueous solutions of transition metals cations react with sulfide SMILES

sources (H2S, NaHS, Na2S) to precipitate solid sulfides. Such [S--]
inorganic sulfides typically have very low solubility in water, and
Properties
many are related to minerals with the same composition (see
2−
below). One famous example is the bright yellow species CdS or Chemical S
"cadmium yellow". The black tarnish formed on sterling silver is formula
Ag2S. Such species are sometimes referred to as salts. In fact, the Molar mass 32.06 g·mol−1
bonding in transition metal sulfides is highly covalent, which Conjugate Bisulfide
gives rise to their semiconductor properties, which in turn is acid
related to the deep colors. Several have practical applications as
pigments, in solar cells, and as catalysts. The fungus Aspergillus Related compounds
niger plays a role in the solubilization of heavy metal sulfides.[5] Other anions Telluride
Except where otherwise noted, data
Geology are given for materials in their
standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F],
100 kPa).
Many important metal ores are sulfides.[6] Significant examples Infobox references
include: argentite (silver sulfide), cinnabar (mercury sulfide),
galena (lead sulfide), molybdenite (molybdenum sulfide),
pentlandite (nickel sulfide), realgar (arsenic sulfide), and stibnite (antimony), sphalerite (zinc
sulfide), and pyrite (iron disulfide), and chalcopyrite (iron-copper sulfide).

Corrosion induced by sulfide

Dissolved free sulfides (H2S, HS− and S2−) are very aggressive species for the corrosion of many
metals such as steel, stainless steel, and copper. Sulfides present in aqueous solution are responsible
for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of steel, and is also known as sulfide stress cracking. Corrosion is a
major concern in many industrial installations processing sulfides: sulfide ore mills, deep oil wells,
pipelines transporting soured oil, Kraft paper factories.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 2 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

Microbially-induced corrosion (MIC) or biogenic sulfide corrosion are also caused by sulfate reducing
bacteria producing sulfide that is emitted in the air and oxidized in sulfuric acid by sulfur oxidizing
bacteria. Biogenic sulfuric acid reacts with sewerage materials and most generally causes mass loss,
cracking of the sewer pipes and ultimately, structural collapse. This kind of deterioration is a major
process affecting sewer systems worldwide and leading to very high rehabilitation costs.

Oxidation of sulfide can also form thiosulfate (S2O2−

3 ) an intermediate species responsible for severe
problems of pitting corrosion of steel and stainless steel while the medium is also acidified by the
production of sulfuric acid when oxidation is more advanced.

Organic chemistry
In organic chemistry, "sulfide" usually refers to the linkage C–S–C, although the term thioether is less
ambiguous. For example, the thioether dimethyl sulfide is CH3–S–CH3. Polyphenylene sulfide (see
below) has the empirical formula C6H4S. Occasionally, the term sulfide refers to molecules containing
the –SH functional group. For example, methyl sulfide can mean CH3–SH. The preferred descriptor
for such SH-containing compounds is thiol or mercaptan, i.e. methanethiol, or methyl mercaptan.

Disulfides
Confusion arises from the different meanings of the term "disulfide". Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)
consists of separated sulfide centers, in association with molybdenum in the formal +4 oxidation state
(that is, Mo4+ and two S2−). Iron disulfide (pyrite, FeS2) on the other hand consists of S2− −
2 , or S–S
−

dianion, in association with divalent iron in the formal +2 oxidation state (ferrous ion: Fe2+).
Dimethyldisulfide has the chemical binding CH3–S–S–CH3, whereas carbon disulfide has no S–S
bond, being S=C=S (linear molecule analog to CO2). Most often in sulfur chemistry and in
biochemistry, the disulfide term is commonly ascribed to the sulfur analogue of the peroxide –O–O–
bond. The disulfide bond (–S–S–) plays a major role in the conformation of proteins and in the
catalytic activity of enzymes.

Examples
Melting Boiling
CAS
Formula point point
number
(°C) (°C)

7783-06-4
(http://ww
w.commo
nchemistr
H2S Hydrogen sulfide is a very toxic and corrosive gas y.org/Che
−85.7 −60.20
characterised by a typical odour of "rotten egg". micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=7783-06-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 3 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

4&title=)

1306-23-6
(http://ww
w.commo
nchemistr
CdS Cadmium sulfide can be used in photocells. 1750 y.org/Che
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=1306-23-
6&title=)

Calcium polysulfide ("lime sulfur") is a traditional

fungicide in gardening.

75-15-0 (h
ttp://www.
commonc
hemistry.o
CS2 Carbon disulfide is a precursor to organosulfur
−111.6 46 rg/Chemic
compounds.
alDetail.a
spx?ref=7
5-15-0&titl
e=)

1314-87-0
(http://ww
w.commo
nchemistr
PbS Lead sulfide is used in infra-red sensors. 1114 y.org/Che
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=1314-87-
0&title=)

1317-33-5
(http://ww
w.commo
Molybdenum disulfide, the mineral molybdenite, is
nchemistr
used as a catalyst to remove sulfur from fossil
MoS2 y.org/Che
fuels; also as lubricant for high-temperature and
micalDeta
high-pressure applications.
il.aspx?ref
=1317-33-
5&title=)

505-60-2 (
http://ww
w.commo
Sulfur mustard (mustard gas) is an organosulfur nchemistr
Cl–CH2CH2–S–CH2CH2–Cl compound (thioether) that was used as a chemical 13–14 217 y.org/Che
weapon in the First World War. micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=505-60-2
&title=)

21548-73-
2 (http://w
ww.comm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 4 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

onchemist
Ag2S Silver sulfide is a component of silver tarnish. ry.org/Che
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=21548-7
3-2&title=)

1313-82-2
(http://ww
w.commo
Sodium sulfide, as the hydrate, is used in nchemistr
Na2S manufacture of kraft paper and as a precursor to 920 1180 y.org/Che
organosulfur compounds. micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=1313-82-
2&title=)

1314-98-3
(http://ww
Zinc sulfide is used for lenses and other optical
w.commo
devices in the infrared part of the spectrum. ZnS-
nchemistr
doped with silver is used in alpha detectors while
ZnS 1185 y.org/Che
zinc sulfide with traces of copper has applications
micalDeta
in photoluminescent strips for emergency lighting
il.aspx?ref
and luminous watch dials.
=1314-98-
3&title=)

26125-40-
6 (http://w
ww.comm
onchemist
ry.org/Che
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=26125-4
Polyphenylene sulfide is a polymer commonly
0-6&title=)
C6H4S called "Sulfar". Its repeating units are bonded
25212-74-
together by sulfide (thioether) linkages.
2 (http://w
ww.comm
onchemist
ry.org/Che
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=25212-7
4-2&title=)

7488-56-4
(http://ww
Selenium disulfide is an antifungal used in anti- w.commo
dandruff preparations, such as Selsun Blue. The nchemistr
SeS2 presence of the highly toxic selenium in healthcare <100 y.org/Che
and cosmetics products represents a general micalDeta
health and environmental concern. il.aspx?ref
=7488-56-
4&title=)

1317-66-4
(http://ww

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 5 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

w.commo
Known as "fool's gold", pyrite, is a common nchemistr
FeS2 600 y.org/Che
mineral.
micalDeta
il.aspx?ref
=1317-66-
4&title=)

Preparation
Sulfide compounds can be prepared in several different ways:[7]

1. Direct combination of elements:

Example: Fe(s) + S(s) → FeS(s)

2. Reduction of a sulfate:

Example: MgSO4(s) + 4C(s) → MgS(s) + 4CO(g)

3. Precipitation of an insoluble sulfide:

Example: M2+ + H2S(g) → MS(s) + 2H+(aq)

Safety
Many metal sulfides are so insoluble in water that they are probably not very toxic. Some metal
sulfides, when exposed to a strong mineral acid, including gastric acids, will release toxic hydrogen
sulfide.

Organic sulfides are highly flammable. When a sulfide burns it produces sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas.

Hydrogen sulfide, some of its salts, and almost all organic sulfides have a strong and putrid stench;
rotting biomass releases these.

Nomenclature
The systematic names sulfanediide and sulfide(2−), valid IUPAC names, are determined according to
the substitutive and additive nomenclatures, respectively. However, the name sulfide is also used in
compositional IUPAC nomenclature which does not take the nature of bonding involved. Examples of
such naming are selenium disulfide and titanium sulfide, which contains no sulfide ions whatsoever.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 6 of 7
Sulfide - Wikipedia 6/22/20, 9:10 AM

References
1. "sulfide(2−) (CHEBI:15138)" (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=15138). Chemical
Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI). UK: European Bioinformatics Institute.
2. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/sulphide
3. May, P.M.; Batka, D.; Hefter, G.; Könignberger, E.; Rowland, D. (2018). "Goodbye to S2-". Chem.
Comm. 54: 1980–1983. doi:10.1039/c8cc00187a (https://doi.org/10.1039%2Fc8cc00187a).
PMID 29404555 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29404555).
4. Meyer, B; Ward, K; Koshlap, K; Peter, L (1983). "Second dissociation constant of hydrogen
sulfide". Inorganic Chemistry. 22: 2345. doi:10.1021/ic00158a027 (https://doi.org/10.1021%2Fic00
158a027).
5. Harbhajan Singh. Mycoremediation: Fungal Bioremediation (https://books.google.com/books?id=
WY3YvfNoouMC&pg=PA533&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=4#v=onepage&q&f=false). p. 509.
6. Vaughan, D. J.; Craig, J. R. “Mineral chemistry of metal sulfides" Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge: 1978. ISBN 0-521-21489-0.
7. Atkins; Shriver (2010). Inorganic Chemistry (5th ed.). New York: W. H. Freeman & Co. p. 413.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sulfide&oldid=962716516"

This page was last edited on 15 June 2020, at 16:55 (UTC).

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site,
you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a
non-profit organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfide Page 7 of 7