Sodium sulfide: specifications and applications

Sodium sulfide is a yellow solid flake with the molecular formula Na₂S. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in ether. Exposure to sodium sulfide can lead to skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory tract. When using this product, use appropriate PPE (including gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing).

Sodium sulfide is used in the pulp and paper industry, manufacture of other chemicals, and wastewater treatment.

Characterization of Sodium sulfide

Sodium sulfide is produced and sold as a yellow, solid flake with a sulfurous smell. Some properties of this substance include:

• Its molar mass is 05 g. mol-1.
• Its melting point is 1176 °C.
• Its boiling point is 174 °C.
• Its density is 1.86 gcm–3.

Applications of Sodium sulfide

Sodium sulfide is used primarily in the pulp and paper industry. However, this product has other uses in different industries:

• Sodium sulfide is used as an oxygen scavenger agent in water treatment.
• Sodium sulfide is used as a dyeing agent for cotton and wool fibers in the textile industry.
• Sodium sulfide 98% is used as a tanning agent in the leather industry.
• Sodium sulfide is used as a sulfonation and sulfomethylation agent in the chemical industry.
• Sodium sulfide is used for sulfur dyes production.
• Sodium sulfide is used for preventing oxidation of solutions in the photography industry.
• Sodium sulfide is used in pharmaceuticals.

Sodium sulfide production

Sodium sulfide is produced industrially by carbothermic reduction of sodium sulfate. This process yields a crude melt which contains considerable amounts of impurities such as unreacted carbon, impurities from the carbon, carbonates, sulphites, and iron compounds.

Crude melt is extracted with water so that the water-soluble part of the impurities and considerable amounts of iron pass into the extraction liquor. Finally, sodium sulfide is separated using different separation processes.

Na₂SO₄ + 2 C → Na₂S + 2 CO₂

Sodium sulfide storage

Sodium sulfide should be stored in a cool and dry place. Sodium sulfide containers should be kept tightly closed. Plus, Sodium sulfide should be protected against external exposure such as high temperatures, UV radiation, sunlight, and humidity.

When using Sodium sulfide, do not eat or drink. Additionally, skin cleansing after handling the product is necessary.

In case of fire, Sodium sulfide may be liberated carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sulfur oxides (SOx). In such a situation, do not breathe fumes and fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance.

Sodium sulfide health hazards

Sodium sulfide contact can causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This product is toxic, if swallowed or in contact with skin. Additionally, Sodium sulfide contact with acids liberates toxic gas. So, handling product in accordance with industrial hygiene and safety practices is necessary.

FAQ

How much does Sodium sulfide cost per kg?

ArChem Sodium sulfide can be purchased in a variety of volumes. Depending on your orders, Prices are different. For more information about Sodium sulfide price, please contact our technical sales team in ArChem.

What is the chemical formula of Sodium sulfide?

Sodium sulfide is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Na2S.

What is the CAS number of Sodium sulfide?

The CAS number of Sodium sulfide is 1313-82-2.

What is the HS code for Sodium sulfide?

The HS code for Sodium sulfide is 283010.

What is Sodium sulfide?

Sodium sulfide is a yellow solid flake with the molecular formula Na₂S. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, and insoluble in ether.

What is the most important application of Sodium sulfide? 

Sodium sulfide is used primarily in the pulp and paper industry. It is a component of white liquor which plays an important role in manufacturing wood pulp. Sodium sulfide is involved in the first stage of the impregnation step where the wood chips are impregnated with the white liquor.