Ferrous Sulphide

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Ferrous Sulphide (FeS) is an inorganic iron-sulfur compound appearing as a dark gray to black crystalline powder or solid. It has low solubility in water but reacts with acids to release hydrogen sulfide gas. It is used in numerous industrial and chemical processes due to its sulfide content and reactive properties. Ferrous Sulphide serves as a key intermediate in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, wastewater treatment, pigment production, and more.

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Category: pH Modifiers Tags: Corrosion Inhibitor, Ferrous Sulphide, FeS, Industrial chemical, Iron Sulfide

Description

Table of Contents

Ferrous Sulphide

Primary Uses

Chemical Industry

Ferrous Sulphide is widely used as a raw material or intermediate for producing various sulfur-containing compounds such as iron sulfides, sulfur fertilizers, and iron salts. It acts as a source of sulfide ions in chemical syntheses and reactions where controlled sulfide release is necessary. The compound is also used in the manufacture of sulfur dyes and pigments.

Metallurgical Applications

In steel and iron production, Ferrous Sulphide is utilized for desulfurization—removing excess sulfur from molten metals to improve mechanical properties and prevent brittleness. It can also be involved in producing iron sulfide layers that protect metals against corrosion under certain conditions.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Ferrous Sulphide finds use in environmental engineering to precipitate heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic from contaminated water streams by forming insoluble metal sulfides. This property makes it valuable for treating industrial effluents and preventing environmental contamination.

Pigment and Coatings

Ferrous Sulphide is used in the manufacture of black pigments utilized in inks, paints, varnishes, and coatings. Its stable color properties provide durable, intense black coloration in various decorative and protective finishes.

Secondary Uses

Pharmaceutical Industry

Although limited, Ferrous Sulphide is sometimes employed in traditional medicine formulations, often for its iron content. It may be found in preparations for anemia treatment where slow-release iron and sulfur supplementation is beneficial.

Laboratory and Research

In research laboratories, Ferrous Sulphide serves as a sulfide ion source in analytical chemistry and experimental studies involving sulfide-metal interactions, environmental simulations, and material synthesis.

Battery Technology and Catalysis

Emerging applications include use as a cathode material or catalyst in energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and in catalyzing sulfur-related chemical reactions. These advanced uses are under active investigation.

Agriculture

While less common, Ferrous Sulphide has been explored as a micronutrient fertilizer additive to supply both iron and sulfur, essential elements for plant growth, enhancing crop yields and soil health.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Iron(II) sulfide
Common/Trade Name: Ferrous Sulphide
CAS Number: 1317-37-9
HS Code: 2825.90.00
Molecular Formula: FeS
Synonyms: Iron monosulfide, Ferrous monosulfide

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder or crystalline solid
Color & Odor: Dark gray to black; odorless unless decomposed
Melting Point: Approximately 1194°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Density: About 4.84 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in dilute acids releasing H₂S gas
pH: Neutral in solid form; acidic when reacting with acids
Stability: Stable under dry conditions; reacts with acids and moisture releasing hydrogen sulfide gas

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Irritant; harmful if inhaled due to potential H₂S gas release
Toxicity: Can release toxic hydrogen sulfide gas upon acid contact
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational limits; control exposure to hydrogen sulfide
NFPA Ratings: Health 2, Flammability 0, Reactivity 1

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from acids and moisture
Container Type: Sealed containers or drums to prevent moisture ingress
Shelf Life: Typically 1–2 years if stored properly
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation; use gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Complies with REACH, OSHA, and other relevant chemical safety standards
Classified as hazardous due to hydrogen sulfide release risk; requires proper labeling

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms if released untreated
Persistence: Decomposes naturally; not persistent
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves, safety goggles, dust mask or respirator, protective clothing
Handling Guidelines:
Avoid dust generation; work in well-ventilated areas; keep away from acids to prevent toxic gas release
Storage Measures:
Keep containers tightly sealed; store in dry conditions away from incompatible substances
Hygiene Practices:
Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in work areas

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Not flammable, but can release toxic hydrogen sulfide gas when heated or decomposed
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam—depending on surrounding fire
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus due to toxic gas risk
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, and iron oxides upon heating