Ammonium sulfide
Agent Name
Ammonium sulfide
Alternative Name
Diammonium sulfide
CAS Number
12135-76-1
Formula
H8-N2-S
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Ammonium monosulfide; Ammonium sulfide (solution); Ammonium sulfide, true; True ammonium sulfide; Ammonium sulfide solution; Ammonium sulfide solution (45% or less); [ChemIDplus] UN2683
Category
Sulfur Compounds
Description
Colorless to yellow solid below -18 deg C; Decomposes above this temperature; [HSDB] Available as colorless to yellow solution with an odor of rotten eggs; [CAMEO] 40-44% aqueous solution is yellow liquid with a stench; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used to apply patina to bronze, for iron control in soda ash production, and to make ammonium thiosulfite; Also used in trace metal analysis, photographic developers, metallurgy, textiles, synthetic flavors, and "cold wave sets"; [HSDB] Used to make surfactants and photocopy paper; [EPA OHM/TADS]
Comments
A strong skin and mucous membrane irritant; May cause serious eye injury; Inhalation may result in dizziness and bronchial pneumonia (500 ppm for 30 min) and death (600 ppm for 30 min); Skin absorption may result in hydrogen sulfide poisoning; Deaths have been reported following application of permanent wave solution; Emergency treatment: "Corrosives- alkaline"; [HSDB] Readily oxidized to ignite spontaneously in air; Decomposed slowly by moisture evolving the flammable gas hydrogen sulfide; A severe skin irritant; Can cause severe burns to eyes; [CAMEO] Commercially available as 40-44% aqueous solution (known as ammonium hydrosulfide or ammonium sulfhydrate solution); Quickly decomposes evolving ammonia; A skin irritant; [EPA OHM/TADS] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause chemical pneumonitis; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Ammonium sulfide, solution."
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: