Question

What is hydrogen sulphide used for?

Answer 1

Hydrogen sulphide has its application in the chemical manufacturing process. It also has application in fertilizer and pharmaceutical industries.

Complete answer:
Hydrogen sulphide has the chemical formula ${{H}_{2}}S$. It is a gas which is highly flammable, volatile and also harmful to us if not properly treated. We can find hydrogen sulphide commonly in crude petroleum and natural gas. This gas is also produced when organic matter is broken down by bacteria. The decomposition of animal and human waste also produces this gas.
Let us find out the uses of hydrogen sulphide.
- We can use hydrogen sulphide in the manufacturing process of elemental sulphur and sulphuric acid
- Derived compounds of hydrogen sulphide such as sodium sulphide and sodium hydrosulphide are used for the manufacturing of fertilizers, dyes and pharmaceuticals.
- Hydrogen sulphide can also be used to produce heavy waters which are used in nuclear power plants.
- We can also use hydrogen sulphide as a means to separate heavy water from normal water. This process is known as the Girdler sulphide process.
- Scientists have discovered that a small amount of exposure of a cell to hydrogen sulphide can help in the prevention of mitochondrial damage.
- Hydrogen sulphide is also used in the qualitative analysis of metal ions. Heavy metals such as Cu(II), Pb(II), Hg(II) and As(II) precipitates in the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas which is the identification of these ions.

Note:
Hydrogen sulphide has a typical smell which is often described as the ‘rotten egg’ smell. Intake of a large amount of this gas without proper treatment may be fatal so we must be careful while handling it.