Sodium sulfide, or Na2S, is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula of Na2S that has risen to prominence in the organic chemical industry. It's a powerful alkaline solution that smells like rotten eggs when exposed to moist air. Despite the fact that the solid-state is yellow, the solution is colourless. It's usually labelled as "sodium sulfide flakes" in the grades.

Sodium Sulfide is a salt which plays an essential role in the organic chemistry industry. The formula for Sodium Sulfide is Na2S, or more commonly its hydrate Na2S·9H2O. Both the anhydrous and the hydrous salts are colourless solids. Sodium Sulfide is a water-soluble compound, with a strongly alkaline solution. If the compound is exposed in the moist air, Na2S and its hydrates emit hydrogen sulfide. This emission smells like a rotten egg. The solid-state of sodium sulfide in solution is a yellow colour, and it comes as grades, known as sodium sulfide flakes. The IUPAC name of sodium sulfide is disodium sulfide. The oxidation number of Sodium Sulfide is -2, whereas its pH value is 10.4.

IUPAC Name – Sodium Sulfide

Sodium Sulfide Structure – Na2S

Na2S adopts the antifluorite structure.  This structure is obtained by exchanging the positions of anions and cations. This means that the Na+ occupy sites of the fluoride and  S2- hold the sites for Ca2+.

Uses of Sodium Sulfide

In the paper and pulp business, it's used in the kraft process.

In water treatment, it's used as an oxygen scavenger.

In the textile sector, it is used as a bleaching agent.

Sodium Sulfide is mainly used in the pulp and paper industry for the kraft process. As in the kraft process, wood is converted into wood pulp, sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide help to dissolve the lignin of wood fibre.

This compound is used in water treatment. In this method, Sodium Sulfide acts as an oxygen scavenger agent

For chemical photography, Sodium Sulfide is used as a metal precipitant for toning black and white photographs

In the textile industry, sodium sulfide is used as a bleaching agent, dechlorinating agent and also desulphurizing agent.

In the production of rubber chemicals, sulfur dyes and other chemical compounds are used.

Used in various applications like ore flotation, dye-making, oil recovery and detergent.

Safety Measures:

Used as an unhairing agent in the liming process during leather production.

Because sodium sulfide is a strong alkaline, it causes skin burns.

When sodium sulfides combine with acid quickly, it produces poisonous hydrogen sulfide.

Side Effects of Sodium Sulfide

It's normal for the top layer of skin to peel slightly. Irritation, redness, and scaling of the skin are also possible side effects. Stop taking this medication and inform your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these effects persist or worsen.

Keep in mind that your doctor ordered this medication because he/ she believes the benefit to you outweighs the risk of adverse effects. The majority of people who take this medicine do not have any substantial adverse effects.

Sodium sulfide is strongly alkaline. It can cause significant skin burns. Reacting with acid can form hydrogen sulfide, which is a highly toxic and flammable gas. In reduced ventilation spaces, hydrogen sulfide accumulates at the bottom. To use hydrogen sulfide, one should keep the safety data sheet with them.