Strontium sulfide

Chemical properties

Strontium sulfide is a grey powder giving a hydrogen sulphide-like smell in the air. It is insoluble in cold water, and decomposes in hot water and acid. In the wet air can decompose to H2S, can also be oxidised to SrSO4. heating for 3 hours to light red, and water vapour contact with the formation of SrO, SrSO4, H2 and SO2. reaction with acid to produce H2S.

The Uses of Strontium sulfide

Strontium sulfide (SrS) smells like rotten eggs. It is used as a depilatory to remove hair from skin and hides.

Production Methods

Strontium sulfide, grayish-white solid (thermodynamic Ksp 500) reactive with water to form strontium hydrosulfide, Sr(SH)2, solution. Strontium hydrosulfide is formed (1) by reaction of strontium sulfide and H2O, (2) by saturation of strontium hydroxide solution with H2S. Strontium polysulfides are formed by boiling strontium hydrosulfide with sulfur.

Preparation

Strontium sulfide can be prepared by the direct reaction of the elements, calcined in an inert atmosphere, at a 1:1.05 molecular ratio:
Sr＋S＋heat→SrS
SrS can also be produced by the “carbothermic reduction” of calcium sulfate, which entails the conversion of carbon, usually as charcoal, to CO2:
SrSO4＋2C→SrS＋ 2CO2
This can react further:
3SrSO4＋SrS→4SrO＋ 4SO2
A mixture of oxide-sulfide is the result. Thus, this type of preparation cannot be used to prepare a pure SrS salt.

General Description

Gray powder with an odor of H2S in moist air.

Air & Water Reactions

Slowly releases H2S in moist air.

Reactivity Profile

STRONTIUM SULFIDE reacts vigorously with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas. May react exothermically with oxidizing agents including inorganic oxoacids, organic peroxides and epoxides, and inorganic peroxides to generate toxic gases.

Hazard

Moderate fire and explosion risk. Irritant to skin and tissues.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Irritant to skin and tissue. Moderate fire hazard and explosion risk.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Poison by inhalation and ingestion. Ready decomposes to yield H2S. Incompatible with lead(1V) oxide. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SOx. See also SULFIDES and STRONTIUM COMPOUNDS.