Sulfideiksiä

Sulfideiksiä is a Finnish term referring to compounds containing the sulfide ion (S^2-). Sulfides are a broad class of inorganic and organic chemicals where sulfur is in its lowest common oxidation state, -2. In inorganic sulfides, the sulfide ion typically bonds with a metal cation, such as iron sulfide (FeS), zinc sulfide (ZnS), or lead sulfide (PbS). These compounds often exhibit distinct physical properties, including varying colors, densities, and solubilities. Many naturally occurring minerals are sulfides, playing significant roles in geology and mining.

Organic sulfides, also known as thioethers, feature a sulfur atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general formula for an organic sulfide is R-S-R', where R and R' represent organic substituents. These compounds are important in organic chemistry and biochemistry. For example, dimethyl sulfide ((CH3)2S) is a volatile organic compound produced by marine phytoplankton. Methionine, an essential amino acid, contains a thioether linkage. Some organic sulfides have characteristic odors, often described as pungent or unpleasant, which is why they are sometimes associated with the smell of decomposition or natural gas leaks when added as odorants. The chemical reactivity of sulfides varies depending on whether they are inorganic or organic, with organic sulfides often undergoing oxidation reactions to form sulfoxides and sulfones.