BleiIISulfid

Blei(II)-sulfid, also known as lead(II) sulfide, is a chemical compound with the formula PbS. It is a black, insoluble solid that occurs naturally as the mineral galena. Galena is the most important ore of lead and a significant source of silver.

Lead(II) sulfide can be synthesized by reacting lead(II) salts with hydrogen sulfide gas or soluble sulfides. It is a semiconductor with a relatively narrow band gap, making it useful in certain electronic and infrared detection applications. Historically, it has been used in pigments and in some types of glass.

PbS exhibits the rock-salt crystal structure. It is stable in dry air but oxidizes in moist air to form lead sulfates and carbonates. It is insoluble in water and most common solvents but can be dissolved by strong oxidizing acids, such as nitric acid. In its natural form, galena often contains impurities, including silver, zinc, and other metals, which are typically recovered during smelting.

The extraction of lead from galena involves a process of roasting in air, which converts the sulfide to lead(II) oxide, followed by reduction with carbon. Due to the toxicity of lead compounds, the use of lead(II) sulfide and other lead-based materials has been significantly restricted in many applications, particularly those involving consumer products and environmental exposure.