Potassium pentasulfide is the inorganic compound with the formula K2S5. It is a red-orange solid that dissolves in water. The salt decomposes rapidly in air.It is one of several polysulfide salts with the general formula M2Sn, where M = Li, Na, K and n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.[1] The polysulfide salts of potassium and sodium are similar.
Names | |
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Other names Dipotassium pentasulfide, dipotassium sulphide, potassium polysulfide | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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Properties | |
K2S5 | |
Molar mass | 238.50 g·mol−1 |
Appearance | red-orange prisms |
Structure | |
orthorhombic | |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). |
Preparation and reactions
The salt is prepared by the addition of elemental sulfur to potassium sulfide. An idealized equation is shown for potassium hydrosulfide:
- 4 KSH + S8 → 2 K2S5 + 2 H2S
The structure consists of zigzag chains of S2−5 paired with K+ ions.[2]
Occurrence
Various polysulfides K2S2 - K2S6 are components of liver of sulfur. Polysulfides, like sulfides, can induce stress corrosion cracking in carbon steel and stainless steel.
References
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