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Sodium Sulfohydrate, Sodium Sulfhydrate, Sodium Bisulfide, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide, Sodium Bisulphide (anhydrous), Sodium Hydrosulfide, 16721-80-5

Sodium Sulfohydrate, Sodium Sulfhydrate, Sodium Bisulfide, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide, Sodium Bisulphide (anhydrous), Sodium Hydrosulfide, 16721-80-5

Sodium Hydrosulfide

CAS No: 16721-80-5
Molecular Formula: HNaS
Molecular Weight: 56.06 g/mol
Synonyms: Sodium Sulfohydrate, Sodium Sulfhydrate, Sodium Bisulfide, Sodium Hydrogen Sulfide, Sodium Bisulphide (anhydrous)

1. Chemical Identification & Classification

  • IUPAC Name: Sodium hydrosulfide

  • Chemical Class: Inorganic sulfide compound, strong base

  • EINECS No: 238-213-8

  • UN No: 2949 (solid) / 2948 (aqueous solution)

  • Hazard Class: 4.2 (Spontaneously combustible solid) + 8 (Corrosive) – for solution: Class 8 only

  • Packing Group: II

2. Physical & Chemical Properties (Solid Anhydrous Form)

Parameter Value
Physical State Colorless to off-white needle-like crystals (pure); industrial grade yellow/orange
Odor Rotten eggs (H₂S)
Melting Point 55°C (131°F)
Flash Point 90°C (194°F) (closed cup)
Density (20°C) 1.79 g/cm³
Water Solubility (20°C) 620 g/L (excessive dissolution, exothermic)
pH (1% aqueous solution) 10 – 12 (strongly alkaline)
Hygroscopicity High (rapidly absorbs ambient moisture)
Autoignition Fine dust can ignite in air
Vapor Pressure (20°C) Negligible (solid); H₂S vapor released from solution

3. Thermal Properties & Decomposition

  • Thermal Decomposition Onset: Melts at >55°C; slow decomposition >150°C; decomposes into H₂S and sodium sulfites >200°C.

  • Boiling Point (solution): 100 – 115°C depending on concentration.

  • Freezing Point (solution): -10°C to -5°C for 32% solution.

  • Specific Heat Capacity (solid): Approx. 1.2 J/g·K (25°C)

  • Enthalpy of Solution (in water): Exothermic (≈ -62 kJ/mol)

4. Reactivity Profile & Incompatibilities

Substance Class Reaction Type Consequence
Strong Acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃) Violent exothermic Instant H₂S gas release (toxic, flammable)
Oxidizers (KMnO₄, peroxides, chromates) Violent oxidation Fire, explosion, SO₂ formation
Heavy Metal Salts (Cu, Ag, Hg, Pb) Precipitation reaction Insoluble metal sulfides + heat
Water (with humid air) Hydrolysis H₂S vapor + NaOH (exothermic)
Active Metals (Al, Zn, Mg) Corrosion + hydrogen gas H₂ gas formation (flammable, explosive)
Halogens (Cl₂, Br₂) Redox reaction Elemental sulfur and hydrogen halide

5. Stability & Storage Conditions

  • Stability: Stable but highly hygroscopic and air-sensitive.

  • Storage Temperature: 0 – 30°C, ideally 15 – 25°C.

  • Storage Atmosphere: Under dry inert gas (nitrogen or argon).

  • Suitable Storage Materials: Stainless steel (316L), HDPE, PTFE-lined containers, glass (small quantities).

  • Materials to Avoid: Acids, oxidizers, zinc, aluminum, copper, brass, galvanized steel.

  • Shelf Life: 12-24 months (solid), 6-12 months (solution) under proper conditions.

  • Storage Warning: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Store separately from oxidizers and acids.

6. Physical Hazards & Flammability Details

  • Flammability Class: Combustible solid (OSHA Class II, NFPA Class 2)

  • Ignition Temperature: 90°C (flash point applies to solution; molten solid is flammable)

  • Self-Heating Property: Can gradually heat when in contact with air, especially in humid conditions. Risk of spontaneous combustion in large piles (Hazard Class 4.2).

  • Dust Explosion: Finely divided solid can form explosive mixtures in air with ignition source (Minimum Explosion Concentration ≈ 60 g/m³).

  • Combustion Products: Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), sodium oxide (Na₂O)

  • Fire Extinguishing Media: Water fog, dry chemical powder, CO₂ – Do NOT apply direct high-pressure water jet onto flames (releases H₂S).

7. Analytical Test Methods & Quality Control

Test Parameter Method Standard
Purity (%NaHS) Iodometric titration ISO 10634, ASTM D5356
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Acid-base titration (pH-metric) ASTM D4662
Sodium Sulfide (Na₂S) Methylene blue colorimetric / Potentiometric EPA 376.2
Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) Acid-base titration (phenolphthalein + methyl orange) ISO 3196
Water Insoluble Matter Gravimetric (0.45 µm filter) ISO 2479
Color (APHA) Spectrophotometric (400 nm) ASTM D1209
Iron (Fe) Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) ISO 11885
Density (20°C) Densitometer or pycnometer ASTM D4052

8. Typical Impurity Limits (Industrial Grade - 32% Aqueous Solution)

Parameter Value (max.)
Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) 1.5% by weight
Sodium Sulfite (Na₂SO₃) 0.5%
Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) 0.3%
Sodium Thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) 0.2%
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH, free) 0.5 – 1.5%
Iron (Fe) 10 ppm
Heavy Metals (Pb + Cu + Hg) 5 ppm
Water 67 – 68% (balance)

9. Toxicology Profile

Parameter Value Remarks
Acute oral toxicity (rat, LD₅₀) 30 – 50 mg/kg Toxic (GHS Class 3)
Acute dermal toxicity (rabbit, LD₅₀) > 200 mg/kg Low dermal toxicity
Acute inhalation (rat, LC₅₀, as H₂S) 444 ppm (4 hours) High inhalation toxicity
Skin corrosion/irritation Corrosive (pH > 11.5) Irreversible damage
Eye damage Severe, irreversible Corneal opacity, conjunctivitis
Skin sensitization Not sensitizing Alkaline irritation present
Chronic toxicity Limited data Neurological effects related to H₂S upon repeated exposure
Mutagenicity Negative (Ames test) No genetic damage
Carcinogenicity IARC: Not classified Insufficient data

10. Ecotoxicology & Environmental Impact

Parameter Value Organism/Duration
Fish LC₅₀ 0.05 – 0.2 mg/L (as total sulfide) Rainbow trout, 96 hours
Daphnia magna EC₅₀ 0.1 mg/L Water flea, 48 hours
Algae EC₅₀ 0.3 mg/L Selenastrum capricornutum, 72 hours
Microbial toxicity Inhibition in range 10 – 50 mg/L Activated sludge (ISO 8192)
Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) Low (log Kow ≈ -0.8) Bioaccumulation not expected
Soil Mobility High (anionic form) High risk of groundwater migration
Biodegradation Abiotic (converts to H₂S gas in acidic media) Forms SO₂ in atmosphere
Aquatic toxicity class (WGK) 3 (Germany) – Very hazardous to water Water pollutant

11. Exposure Control & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Occupational Exposure Limit (H₂S, ACGIH TWA): 10 ppm (14 mg/m³)

  • Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 15 ppm (15 minutes)

  • Odor Threshold (H₂S): 0.005 – 0.01 ppm (rotten egg smell at low concentration; odor paralysis at high concentration)

  • Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed system processing, continuous H₂S detector (personal and area monitor)

  • Respiratory Protection: Acid gas cartridge full-face mask (for H₂S) or positive pressure SCBA – above 10 ppm

  • Gloves: Butyl rubber, Viton or Nitrile (≥ 0.4 mm thickness); disposable gloves are NOT sufficient

  • Eye Protection: Chemical-resistant full seal safety goggles (against splashes) + face shield

  • Skin Protection: Butyl rubber or PVC apron, chemical-resistant boots

  • Eye Wash & Safety Shower: Mandatory in work area

12. Emergency Response & First Aid

Exposure Type Emergency Response
Skin contact Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if burned.
Eye contact Rinse with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes keeping eyelids open. Immediate medical attention.
Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting (risk of H₂S aspiration!). Rinse mouth. If conscious, drink 1-2 glasses of water. Seek medical aid.
Inhalation Move to fresh air. If breathing stopped, give artificial respiration (avoid mouth-to-mouth – toxic!). Administer oxygen. Seek medical aid.
Small spill Cover with absorbent (sand, sawdust, vermiculite). Never use acids. Place in closed labeled waste container.
Large spill Evacuate area. Stop leak if possible. Contain with soil or sand. Authorized disposal.
Fire Water fog, dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol foam. Do not apply direct water jet onto flames (releases H₂S and SO₂). Cool containers with water.

13. Applications & Industrial Uses

Sector Application Details
Leather Industry Liming, unhairing Dissolving hair without damaging hide structure; pre-tanning process
Dyes & Textiles Sulfur dye synthesis Reducing agent for black, blue, brown sulfur dyes
Mining Flotation modifier Separation of sulfide minerals in copper, molybdenum, lead ores
Chemical Synthesis Intermediate Pesticides (ethyl mercaptan), ammonium sulfide, thioglycolate, organosulfur compounds
Wastewater Treatment Heavy metal precipitation Cu, Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn precipitated as sulfides and removed
Pulp & Paper Kraft process (white liquor) Sulfur source for lignin dissolution in pulp
Petrochemicals Catalyst protection On-site H₂S generation without poisoning hydrogenation catalysts; catalyst regeneration
Fertilizers Desulfurization Removal of monomeric sulfur from activated carbon
Rubber Vulcanization accelerator Intermediate for some rubber chemicals
Photography Fixer component Dissolving silver salts (historical application)

14. Packaging Options & Logistics

Package Type Material Net Weight Suitability
Solid (flakes/crystals) – Bag Multi-layer kraft + PE inner liner 25 kg, 50 kg Dry environment, inert atmosphere
Solid – Drum HDPE drum (gasketed lid) 100 kg, 200 kg Long-term storage
Solution – IBC 1000 L HDPE IBC (with bottom valve) ~1200 kg Dilute alkali protection
Solution – Drum HDPE drum (bunghole lid) 200 kg, 250 kg Small quantities
Solution – Tanker Stainless steel (316L) or carbon steel + rubber lining 15 – 25 tons Bulk transport, heated option
HS Code: 2830.10 Class: 4.2/8 UN No: 2949 (solid), 2948 (solution) Packing Group: II

15. Transport & Shipping Regulations

Transport Mode Special Requirements
Road (ADR/RID) Class 4.2 + 8, UN 2949/2948, Packing Group II, Transport code (E) – self-heating
Rail (RID) Same as ADR; ventilation required in rail wagon
Marine (IMDG) Marine Pollutant (MP) mark; keep upright, protected from sunlight
Air (ICAO/IATA) Solid form only (UN 2949); forbidden on passenger aircraft – cargo only
IATA Packing Instruction 465 (solid) Limited Quantity: 5 kg
Marine Pollutant Yes (MP) EmS (Emergency Schedule): F-A, S-J

16. Regulatory Compliance Information

Regulation / Inventory Status Notes
EU REACH (EC 1907/2006) Registered (existing) EC No: 238-213-8
EU CLP (EC 1272/2008) Class 4.2, 8 Pictograms: GHS05, GHS06, GHS09
TSCA (USA) Listed Active
EINECS Listed 238-213-8
Canada DSL Listed  
China IECSC Listed  
Australia AICS Listed  
Japan ENCS Listed  
Korea KECI Listed  
Turkey KKDIK (REACH) Registration required According to local regulation

17. Disposal & Waste Management

  • Waste Code (European Waste Catalogue - EWC): 06 02 04* (hazardous waste – alkaline waste without metal hydroxide) or 06 13 02* (hazardous waste – inorganic sulfides)

  • Disposal Method: Neutralization (careful conversion to H₂S gas with dilute acid, then gas incineration or alkaline scrubbing) + solid waste landfill

  • Wastewater Discharge: According to local sewer regulations (typically total sulfide < 1 mg/L) – treatment mandatory

  • Alternative: Licensed hazardous waste incinerator (with SO₂ capture by alkaline scrubbing)

  • Do NOT: Contact directly with acids, pour down drains, allow to leach into soil

18. Quality Certification & Testing Frequency

Quality Parameter Testing Frequency Acceptance Criteria
Purity (%NaHS) Each batch ≥ 70% (industrial solid), ≥ 31.5% (industrial solution)
NaOH and Na₂S content Each batch NaOH ≤ 1.5%, Na₂S ≤ 0.5%
Color (APHA) Each batch ≤ 200
Density (20°C) Each batch 1.20 – 1.30 g/cm³ (32% solution)
Heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Hg) Monthly Each ≤ 2 ppm
Water insoluble matter Monthly ≤ 0.1%
Packaging integrity Each shipment No leakage, label legible
Long-term stability Annually Purity drop < 2% after 6 months

19. Supply Chain & Storage Facility Requirements

Parameter Requirement
Storage tank material Stainless steel (316L) or rubber-lined carbon steel
Tank fill level Max. 90% (for thermal expansion)
Tank ventilation Inert gas blanketing (N₂) + H₂S scrubber (alkaline washer)
Temperature control Jacketed tank (cooling/heating), 15-25°C range
Solution transfer line 316L SS or HDPE, leak-proof pump (magnetic drive)
Emergency equipment H₂S detector, emergency shower, eye wash, neutralization solution (NaOH)
Personnel training H₂S hazards, confined space entry, PPE usage

20. Summary – Critical Safety & Handling Warnings

Topic Warning / Information
Primary hazard Contact with acids → immediate H₂S gas (toxic, flammable, lethal)
Secondary hazard Self-heating and spontaneous combustion (especially in humid air)
Odor warning Rotten egg smell at low levels (0.01 ppm); odor paralysis at high levels (100 ppm)
Lethal H₂S concentration 500 – 1000 ppm → immediate loss of consciousness and death
NEVER do Mix with acids, use near open flame, pour down drains
ALWAYS do Ensure ventilation, H₂S detector, proper PPE, emergency plan
When purchasing Check impurity levels (especially Na₂S and color), stability, supplier's SDS/TDS

Note: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for general informational purposes. Specifications may vary by manufacturer, batch, and local regulations. Always refer to your supplier's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet before using the product. This document is designed for use by trained professionals.

Comparative Analysis of Sodium Sulfide and Reducing Chemicals

1. General Comparison Table 

Property Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) Sodium Sulfide (Na2S) Sodium Dithionite (Hydrosulfite) Sodium Metabisulfite Rongalite C Decolite Sodium Borohydride Calcium Hydrosulfite
CAS No 16721-80-5 1313-82-2 7775-14-6 7681-57-4 149-44-0 / 6035-47-8 149-44-0 derivative 16940-66-2 6035-47-8
Molecular Formula HNaS Na2S Na2S2O4 Na2S2O5 CH3NaO3S·2H2O NaHOCH2SO2 (modified) NaBH4 Ca(HSO2)2
Molecular Weight 56.06 g/mol 78.04 g/mol 174.11 g/mol 190.11 g/mol 154.14 g/mol (dihydrate) ~154 g/mol 37.83 g/mol 170.18 g/mol
Water Solubility (20°C) 620 g/L 180 g/L 210 g/L 540 g/L ~600 g/L High 550 g/L Moderate
Aqueous pH (1%) 10-12 (basic) 12-13 (strong basic) 5-7 (neutral, decomposes) 4-5 (acidic) 9.5-10.5 (basic) 7-9 (neutral) ~10 (basic) 6-8 (neutral)
Melting Point 55°C >50°C (hydrolyzes) 52°C (decomposes) 150°C (decomposes) 64.5°C (dihydrate) 63-64°C 300°C (decomposes) 60°C (decomposes)
Primary Function Sulfur source Base, sulfur source Strong reducing agent SO2 source Acidic reductant Discharge print reductant Very strong reducing agent Bleaching

2. Detailed Profile of Rongalite C and Decolite

2.1 Rongalite C (Sodium Formaldehyde Sulfoxylate - SFS)

Rongalite C is a BASF-registered brand name for sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate (NaHOCH2SO2). It is available as a white crystalline powder, typically as a dihydrate.

Key Properties:

  • Chemical Class: Sulfoxylate salt (formaldehyde + sulfoxylic acid)

  • Appearance: Colorless crystals or white powder

  • Density (dihydrate): 1.75 g/cm3

  • Stability: Stable in alkaline and neutral media; decomposes in acidic media releasing formaldehyde and SO2

  • GHS Classification: H341 (suspected genetic damage)

  • Flash Point: >100°C

2.2 Decolite

Decolite is a specialized derivative of the Rongalite C family, optimized for textile discharge printing applications.

Key Properties:

  • Chemical Structure: Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate-based, modified formulation

  • Primary Use: Discharge printing (patterned whitening) and vat dye reduction

  • Advantages: Faster dissolution and lower temperature activation compared to standard Rongalite C

  • Appearance: White crystalline powder

2.3 Rongalite C vs Decolite vs Bruggolite E01

Property Rongalite C Decolite Bruggolite E01
Form Hard white solid (powder/lump) White powder Powder/granule (dust-free)
Active Content ~98-100% ~98% ~98-100%
Dissolution Rate Moderate High Very high (rapid)
pH Suitability Alkaline stable Acidic/alkaline Acidic and alkaline
Primary Application Vat dyeing, discharge printing Discharge printing (primary) Emulsion polymerization, textiles
Dust Control Low Moderate Dust-free
Shelf Life 24 months 24 months 24-36 months

3. Reactivity and Stability Comparison

Chemical Air Stability Reaction with Water Reaction with Acids Temperature Sensitivity Main Decomposition Product
NaHS Low (hygroscopic, releases H2S) Exothermic, stable Violent H2S gas >55°C melts, >200°C decomposes H2S, Na2S
Na2S Moderate (hygroscopic) Violent exothermic, releases H2S Violent H2S gas >50°C hydrolysis H2S, NaOH
Na2S2O4 Very low (self-heating) Releases heat Toxic SO2 gas >40°C rapid decomposition SO2, sulfate, S
Na2S2O5 Low (releases SO2 in humid air) Stable (forms bisulfite) SO2 gas >150°C decomposes SO2, Na2SO4
Rongalite C Moderate Stable Formaldehyde + SO2 >65°C decomposes Formaldehyde, SO2
Decolite Moderate (good) Stable Formaldehyde + SO2 >65°C decomposes Formaldehyde, SO2
NaBH4 Very low (reacts with moisture) Violent exothermic, H2 gas Violent H2 gas >300°C decomposes (dry) H2, NaBO2
Ca(HSO2)2 Low (oxygen sensitive) Stable (in solution) SO2 + H2S >60°C decomposes SO2, CaSO4

4. Industrial Applications - Detailed Comparison

Application Area NaHS Na2S Na2S2O4 Rongalite C Decolite NaBH4
Flotation (Mining) Primary Secondary No No No No
Leather Tanning (Unhairing) Primary Primary No No No No
Textile - Indigo Reduction No No Primary Used Used Rare
Textile - Discharge Printing No No No Primary Specialist No
Textile - Vat Dyeing No No Used Widespread Used No
Paper Bleaching No No Primary No No Primary
Pulp and Paper (Kraft) Primary Primary No No No No
Emulsion Polymerization No No No Used (redox) No No
Rubber (Redox Activator) No No No Widespread No No
Wastewater Treatment Metal ppt Metal ppt Cr(VI) reduction No No No
Pharmaceuticals (Antioxidant) No No No Used No No

5. Selection Criteria for Rongalite C and Decolite

Requirement Best Choice Reason
Patterned whitening in textile (discharge printing) Decolite Specifically developed for this application; high efficiency
Reducing agent for vat dyeing Rongalite C or Sodium Dithionite Both effective; Rongalite is more stable
Low-temperature polymerization (5°C SBR) Bruggolite E01 (Rongalite derivative) Special formulation that activates in the cold
Dust control is important Decolite or Bruggolite E01 Dust-free or low-dust formulations available
Formaldehyde-free reducing agent needed Formaldehyde-free series Rongalite C and Decolite release formaldehyde
FDA-compliant food-contact polymer Bruggemann FF6 M Formaldehyde-free, FDA approved

6. Safety and Toxicology Comparison

Chemical Primary Hazard GHS Pictograms Special Risks Skin Corrosivity
NaHS H2S gas, corrosive GHS05, GHS06, GHS09 Self-heating Yes (pH>12)
Na2S2O4 Self-heating, eye damage H251, H318, H402 Heats in moist air, SO2 No (not corrosive)
Rongalite C Formaldehyde risk (H341) H341 (suspected genetic damage) Formaldehyde + SO2 with acids No (pH 9.5-10.5)
Decolite Formaldehyde risk H341 Formaldehyde + SO2 with acids No
NaBH4 Hydrogen gas, flammable GHS02, GHS05 H2 gas with water Yes (alkaline)

7. Summary - When to Use Which Chemical?

Situation Recommended Chemical Reason
Copper/molybdenum flotation NaHS Low NaOH by-product, controlled H2S
Indigo dye reduction (denim) Na2S2O4 or Rongalite C High reduction power
Textile discharge printing (patterned whitening) Decolite Special formulation, high efficiency
Vat dyeing Rongalite C or Na2S2O4 Industry standard
Emulsion polymerization (SBR, NBR) Bruggolite E01 Cold activation, dust-free form
Paper bleaching Na2S2O4 Most commonly used
Food-contact applications Formaldehyde-free reducing agent FDA approved, no formaldehyde
Low-cost base Na2S Cheapest option
Strong reduction (organic synthesis) NaBH4 Unique reduction power

8. Quick Chemical Comparison Table (Pocket Version)

Chemical Best For Avoid For
NaHS Flotation, leather, kraft pulp Food, acidic environments
Na2S2O4 Indigo, paper bleaching Long-term storage, high temperature
Rongalite C Vat dyeing, discharge printing, rubber polymerization Formaldehyde-sensitive applications
Decolite Discharge printing (textile) Formaldehyde-sensitive applications
NaBH4 Organic synthesis, specialty reduction Aqueous solutions (reacts), high cost

9. Critical Warning: Formaldehyde Release

IMPORTANT: Rongalite C and Decolite release formaldehyde (IARC Group 1 carcinogen) under acidic conditions or at elevated temperatures.

  • Safe handling: Always use with adequate ventilation

  • pH control: Keep pH above 7 during use

  • PPE requirement: N95 mask, chemical goggles, nitrile gloves

  • Alternatives available: Bruggemann formalin-free series (FF6 M, FF7) for formaldehyde-sensitive applications

Conclusion

Chemical Best Application Domain
NaHS (Sodium Hydrosulfide) Flotation, leather tanning, kraft pulp industry standard
Rongalite C Controlled reduction in textile (vat dyeing, discharge printing) and rubber polymerization
Decolite Optimized derivative for textile discharge printing (patterned whitening)
Formaldehyde-free alternatives Food-contact, pharmaceutical, and sensitive applications

Note: This comparative analysis is for general informational purposes. Specifications may vary by manufacturer and batch. Always refer to your supplier's current Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

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