Potassium bisulfide
Agent Name
Potassium bisulfide
CAS Number
1310-61-8
Formula
H-K-S
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Potassium hydrogensulphide; Potassium sulfide (K(SH); [ChemIDplus] Potassium hydrogen sulfide, anhydrous; Potassium mercaptan; [Strem MSDS]
Category
Sulfur Compounds
Description
Colorless, deliquescent or white, highly hygroscopic solid; [Merck Index] Solution: Transparent to dark green liquid with an odor of rotten eggs; [CAMEO] Off-white powder with an odor of rotten eggs; Hygroscopic; [Strem MSDS]
Sources/Uses
Used in separation of metals; [Hawley]
Comments
Usually found as the hemihydrate; Quickly turns yellow on exposure to air forming polysulfides and hydrogen sulfide; [Merck Index] In solution, reacts with water and may form hydrogen sulfide; Corrosive to skin and eyes; [CAMEO] May produce hydrogen sulfide gas on contact with air or stomach acids; Causes burns; Danger of irreversible effects; Inhalation may cause corrosive effects on the respiratory tract; [Strem MSDS] See "Hydrogen sulfide."
Biomedical References
Adverse Effects
Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Other Poison
Chemical Asphyxiant
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: