Potassium sulfide
Agent Name
Potassium sulfide
CAS Number
1312-73-8
Formula
K2-S
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Dipotassium monosulfide (K2S); Dipotassium sulfide; Potassium monosulfide; Potassium sulfide (2:1); Potassium sulfide (K2S); [ChemIDplus] UN1382
Category
Sulfur Compounds
Description
White very hygroscopic solid; Discolored by air; [Merck Index] Red or yellow-red deliquescent solid; [Hawley] White to yellow powder with an odor of rotten eggs; [Strem MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used in photography (toner); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Used as an analytical reagent, depilatory, and medicine; [Hawley]
Comments
May explode on percussion; [Merck Index] May spontaneously ignite; Powder is explosive; [Hawley] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation may cause pulmonary edema; [ICSC] Emergency treatment: "Corrosives- alkaline"; [HSDB] A strong reducing agent; Pyrophoric; May cause severe skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation; [CAMEO] Releases hydrogen sulfide on contact with moisture; A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; Inhalation of high concentrations may cause pulmonary edema; [CHEMINFO] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; [Strem MSDS]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Explanatory Notes
The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Potassium sulfide, anhydrous (or less than 30% water)."
NFPA
must be preheated
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: