Aluminium Sulfide: Definition, Formula, Structure, Properties, Uses

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Jasmine Grover

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Aluminum sulfide, or aluminum Sulfide, is a grey chemical compound having the formula Al2S3. Hydrogen sulfide is easily formed when it is hydrolyzed in the air. Aluminum Sulfide comes in six different crystalline forms. Thermite-like reactions between Aluminum particles and sulfur are used to prepare Aluminum sulfide. Furthermore, Aluminum sulfide is an inorganic compound that is used extensively as a raw material in the production of hydrogen sulfide gas. Aluminum Sulfide is also known as di-aluminum trisulfide. In presence of water, Aluminum Sulfide is hydrolyzed into hydrated Aluminum oxides/hydroxides.

Keyterms: Aluminum, Hydrogen, Sulphur, Thermite, Hydrogen sulphide gas, Aluminum oxides, Chemical Compound, Crystalline form, Aluminium Sulfate


Aluminum Sulfide Formula Derivation

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Al2S3 is the chemical formula for Aluminum Sulfide. This chemical can also be found as a hydrate. Furthermore, the variable quantity of water molecules hydrates it in this manner. Two cations, Al3+, and three anions, S2-, combine to produce this combination. As a result, Al2S3 is found to be its formula. Aluminum Sulfide crystal formations can take on a variety of shapes. Hexagonal, tetragonal, and trigonal crystal formations are among them.

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Aluminum Sulfide Preparation

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The efficient preparation of Aluminum Sulfide is accomplished by the following reaction:

2 Al + 3 S → Al2S3

This reaction is usually highly exothermic. As a result, heating the entire mass of the sulfur-aluminium mixture is not essential nor desirable. However, very little amounts of reactants can be heated, which is a remarkable exception. The product is formed in a fused form. 


Physical properties of Aluminium Sulfide

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  • Aluminium Sulfide is a solid that ranges in hue from grey to black.
  • This substance has a density of 2.02gmL1.
  • The compound has a high melting point of 1100 °C.
  • Similarly, the boiling point of Aluminium Sulfide is high, at 1500 °C, and it sublimates at this temperature.
  • Additionally, Aluminium Sulfide decomposes in water but is insoluble in acetone.

Chemical properties of Aluminium Sulfide

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  • The nature of Aluminium Sulfide is similar to that of other metal Sulphides.
  • This also means that it is just marginally soluble in water but very soluble in acid solutions.
  • It also generates sodium Sulfide after the reaction in the presence of sodium or potassium bases.
  • Sodium Sulfide is an irritant that causes eye and skin irritation.

Uses of Aluminium Sulfide

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  1. Aluminum Sulfide is a key component in the production of hydrogen Sulfide gas.
  2. Hydrogen Sulfide is a chemical molecule that has a significant influence.
  3. This Aluminium Sulfide is used by experts in the production of cathodes for lithium-Sulphur solid-state batteries.
  4. In addition to these uses, Aluminium Sulfide is used in the manufacturing of a variety of chemicals, including ethanethiol.

Safety Hazards

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  1. In nature, Aluminium Sulfide is extremely poisonous.
  2. As a result, it is extremely hazardous to people's health.
  3. If Aluminium Sulfide is inhaled, it can be lethal. Severe harm to the neurological system is also a possibility.
  4. Aluminium Sulfide can harm the body's blood vessels.

Things to Remember 

  • Aluminium Sulfide has the formula Al2Sand is a grey chemical compound. When hydrogen Sulfide is hydrolysed in the air, it is easily generated. There are six distinct crystalline forms of Aluminium Sulfide. Aluminium Sulfide is made through thermite-like interactions between Aluminium particles and sulphur. Aluminium Sulphide is also an inorganic compound that is widely employed as a raw material in the manufacturing of hydrogen Sulfide gas. Dialuminium trisulfide is another name for Aluminum Sulfide. Aluminium Sulfide is hydrolysed into hydrated Aluminium oxides/hydroxides in the presence of water.
  • In terms of the chemistry, Aluminum Sulfide is identical to the other metal Sulphides. This also means that it is just marginally soluble in water but very soluble in acid solutions. Furthermore, in the presence of sodium or potassium bases, the process produces sodium Sulfide. Sodium Sulfide is an irritant that can cause eye and skin irritation.
  • Aluminium Sulfide does not occur in nature. Aluminium Sulfide is created when Aluminium metal reacts with sulphur powder. In a highly exothermic reaction, they are heated to ignition to generate the Sulfide:

2 Al + 3 S → Al2S3

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Sample Questions

Ques. Aluminium Sulfide gives a foul odour when it becomes damp. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction.  (2 marks)

Ans. Al2S3 + H2O → 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2S

The foul odour during the reaction is of rotten egg.

Ques. Which of the following is a balanced equation of Aluminium sulfide?  (2 marks)
16Al + 3S→ 8Al2S3
12Al + S8 → 8AlS
8Al + S8 → 8AlS
4Al + S8 → 4AlS2

Ans. The correct balanced chemical equation is represented by:

16Al + 3S8 → 8Al2S3

Ques. Is Aluminium Sulfide a basic or acidic compound?  (2 marks)

Ans. Aluminium Sulfide is extremely acidic, it's occasionally used to regulate the pH of severely alkaline soils. When Aluminium sulphate reacts with water, it produces Aluminium hydroxide and a diluted sulfuric acid solution, which changes the acidity of the soil.

Ques. What are the uses of Aluminium sulfide in medical science?   (2 marks)

Ans. It's mostly used as a deodorant and as a coagulating agent for minor cuts and abrasions (due to its antibacterial properties). Materials used in the pharmaceutical business contain Aluminium sulphate. It's utilised in the production of Aluminium acetate ear drops, for example.

Ques. What are some of the house uses of Aluminium sulfide?  (2 marks)

Ans. Some of the house uses of Aluminium Sulfide include gardening and OTC uses. Because hydrangeas are sensitive to soil pH, gardeners who plant them use this property to modify the colour of their flowers (blue or pink). It is used as a after shave lotion and as an astringent in styptic pencils to stop bleeding from superficial wounds.

Ques. What are some of the threats with Aluminium Sulfide?  (2 marks)

Ans. Aluminium Sulfide is exceedingly harmful in nature. As a result, it poses a serious threat to people's health. Inhalation of Aluminum Sulfide might be fatal. It's also possible that the neurological system will be severely harmed. It is also one of the components which can harm the blood vessels of a person.

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