What are Sulphides?

Sulphide is a chemical product formed when sulphur reacts with another element preferably a metal. It is commonly found in minerals such as pyrite (fool’s gold) and galena (lead sulphide). Sulphides can have a variety of colours and fragrances. Some are bright and metallic, while others are matte and powdery. They are useful in industry for producing items like batteries and pigments, although some sulphides may emit unpleasant odours, such as the rotten egg odour of hydrogen sulphide gas.

Sulphide Ion

Sulhphide Ion is anion present in a sulhphide group of compound. For example, in Ferrous Sulphide(FeS), S is sulhphide ion

Sulphide Formula

Sulphide ions have the chemical formula (S²⁻). They have an oxidation state of -2. This structure allows sulphur to interact with other elements, producing sulphide compounds with molecular formulae such as XS, X2S, or XS2.

Valency of Sulphide

Valency of Sulphide is 2. Since, the electronic configuration of sulphur is 2, 8, 6. In its valence shell, there are six electrons. Thus sulphur requires two electrons to form sulphide. Hence, valency of sulfide is 2.

Sulphides Compounds

Some examples of sulphides include the following:

• Ferrous Sulphide: Its formula is FeS, also known as iron sulphide or pyrite. It is sometimes referred to as fool’s gold due to its dazzling look. Its melting point is 1195°C, and it is used to produce sulfuric acid.
• Zinc Sulphide: Its formula is ZnS, is used in luminous materials such as glow-in-the-dark paints and as a pigment in rubber, plastics, and textiles. Its melting point is about 1850°C.
• Copper (II) Sulphide: Its formula is Cu₂S and occurs naturally as chalcocite and is utilised in the manufacturing of copper metal. It melts at around 1030°C.
• Silver Sulphide: Its formula is AgS. It is often found in the mineral acanthite and is utilised in the manufacture of photographic film. The melting point is around 825°C.
• Tin sulphide(SnS₂): It is employed as a lubricant and in the manufacture of solar cells and sensors. Its melting point is about 882°C.
• Hydrogen Sulphide: Its formula is H₂S. Hydrogen sulphide smells like a rotten egg.

Chemical Properties of Sulphide

Chemical properties of sulphides are mentioned below:

• Sulphides of alkali and alkaline-earth metals are only slightly soluble in water and occur mostly in ionic form. Copper and zinc sulphides, on the other hand, are quite insoluble.
• While sulphides are normally innocuous, certain metal sulphides can produce poisonous hydrogen sulphide when exposed to strong acids.
• Organic sulphides are often highly flammable, producing sulphur dioxide (SO₂) upon combustion. Many organic sulphides have strong and disagreeable odours, including hydrogen sulphide and its salts.
• Free or aqueous sulphides are very corrosive to numerous metals, contributing to various types of corrosion.

Sulphide is a chemical product generated when sulphur reacts with another element, usually a metal. It is frequently found in minerals such as pyrite (fool’s gold) and galena. Sulphides frequently emit unique odours (such as rotten eggs), and some are hazardous. They have a variety of purposes in industry, including mining for metals such as copper and lead. Sulphides also have a role in natural processes such as volcanic gas production and some biological activities.

This article deals with sulphides, their basic properties, formula, structure, reactions and commonly used sulphide compounds.