Naatriumsulfiidis

Naatriumsulfiidi is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na₂S. It is the sodium salt of hydrogen sulfide. Naatriumsulfiidi typically appears as a yellow solid and is highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution due to hydrolysis. It is readily oxidized in air to form sodium thiosulfate and sodium sulfite.

The compound is produced industrially by the carbothermal reduction of sodium sulfate. This process involves heating sodium sulfate with carbon, often coal or coke, at high temperatures. Another method is the reduction of sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate and carbon.

Naatriumsulfiidi has a variety of industrial applications. It is used in the production of sulfur dyes, in the leather industry for tanning hides, and in the paper industry as a delignifying agent. It also finds use in metallurgy for ore flotation and in wastewater treatment for the removal of heavy metals. Due to its strong alkalinity and reactivity, it must be handled with care, as it can cause skin and eye irritation. Exposure to acids will liberate toxic hydrogen sulfide gas.