Hydrogen sulfide
Description
A colorless gas that smells like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide occurs as a component in natural gas, volcanic gas, and sulfur springs. It is also produced as an air pollutant due to the combustion of sulfur containing coal and the organic decay of manure. Hydrogen sulfide can also be emitted from some paints, textiles, and vulcanized rubbers. As a component in air pollution, it is responsible for tarnishing silver and blackening lead pigments. Commercially, hydrogen sulfide is used as an antiseptic and a bleach.
Synonyms and Related Terms
sulfureted hydrogen; hydrosulfuric acid; ashepatic air; fetid air of sulfur; sulphydric acid; hydrothionic acid
Personal Risks
- Highly toxic by inhalation.
- Causes irritation to eyes and mucous membranes.
- Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Explosive limits 4.3-46%.
- Airgas: SDS
Collection Risks
- Corrodes or tarnish silver, copper, bronze and lead
- Corrodes daguerreotypes
- Can cause silver mirroring
- Yellowing of paper and fabric
- Lead white darkening
- Red rot in leather
Physical and Chemical Properties
Soluble in water, glycerol, gasoline, kerosene, carbon disulfide. Burns in air with a pale blue flame.
| Composition | H2S |
|---|---|
| CAS | 7783-06-4 |
| Melting Point | -83.8 C |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 34.08 |
| Boiling Point | -60.2 C |
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Jean Tétreault, 'Products used in Preventive Conservation' Technical Bulletin #2, CCI, 2017. Link