What Is Ammonium Sulfide?
Ammonium sulfide, an ammonium salt of hydrogen sulfide, commonly appears as an aqueous solution and is also referred to as diammonium sulfide or ammonium monosulfide. It is produced by reacting urea nitrate with nitric acid and is known for its CAS number 124-47-0. While explosive under heat and shock, it generally remains safe under standard conditions.
Uses of Ammonium Sulfide
Used widely as an explosive sensitizer, explosive, desulfurizer, and organic reagent, ammonium sulfide’s primary application is in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) due to the ease of synthesis from commonly available fertilizer industry chemicals. Despite its nitrogen content suggesting potential as a fertilizer, its acidity has limited this application. Additionally, it serves as an organic reagent in various chemical reactions.
Properties of Ammonium Sulfide
This compound, appearing as a white crystalline powder, decomposes at 152°C, releasing urea in aqueous solution and exhibiting acidity. It is soluble in hot water but insoluble in nitric acid, ether, chloroform, and benzene. Not inherently hygroscopic, its hygroscopicity increases when mixed with certain inorganic salts.
Types of Ammonium Sulfide
Marketed mainly for research and development as a wetted reagent to mitigate explosive risks, ammonium sulfide is available in laboratory-friendly quantities.
Other Information on Ammonium Sulfide
1. Chemical Reaction of Ammonium Sulfide
Highly reactive, ammonium sulfide can violently burn or explode upon heating or impact. It produces hazardous decomposition products and should be kept away from ignition sources.
2. Hazardousness of Ammonium Sulfide
Recognized as a hazardous substance, ammonium sulfide requires careful handling and personal protective equipment to mitigate risks of explosion, skin irritation, eye damage, and airway irritation.
3. Regulatory Information for Ammonium Sulfide
Ammonium sulfide’s explosive nature subjects it to strict regulatory controls under various safety laws, emphasizing the need for caution in its transport and handling.