Ammonium bisulfide

Synonyms

Ammonium hydrogen sulfide; Ammonium hydrosulfide; Ammonium mercaptan; Ammonium sulfhydrate; Ammonium sulfide; Monoammonium sulfide; Sirnik amonny [Czech]; Ammonium hydrogensulphide; [ChemIDplus] UN2683

Category

Sulfur Compounds

Description

White to yellow hygroscopic solid; [ICSC] Decomposes when moisture or >0 deg C; [Hawley] Technical grade is 40-44% and kept basic with sodium hydroxide; [CAMEO] Solution has strong odor of rotten eggs and ammonia; [CHRIS]

Sources/Uses

Used in lubricants; [Merck Index] Used in photography, textiles, synthetic flavors, for coloring brasses and bronzes, and for iron control (soda ash production); [CAMEO]

Comments

Crystals decompose at room temperature forming hydrogen sulfide (may be fatal) and ammonia; A severe skin irritant; [Merck Index] A severe skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can be absorbed through skin; [ICSC] Produces hydrogen sulfide on mixing with water; A reducing agent; [CAMEO] Aqueous solution: Causes severe eye burns and severe skin irritation; Inhalation of 500 ppm for 30 minutes causes headache, dizziness, and bronchial pneumonia; 600 ppm for 30 minutes can be fatal; Can be absorbed through skin resulting in hydrogen sulfide poisoning; [CHRIS] Causes mydriasis, dyspnea, and respiratory stimulation in lethal-dose animal studies (dermal, intraperitoneal, intravenous, and oral routes); [RTECS] See "Hydrogen sulfide."

Biomedical References

390 mm Hg

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Ammonium sulfide, solution."

Skin burns

Other Poison

Chemical Asphyxiant

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asphyxiation, chemical

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Photographic Processing
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas