Magnesium sulfide
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| Magnesium sulfide | |
|---|---|
| Image:Magnesium sulfide.jpg | |
| Systematic name | Magnesium sulfide |
| Other names | mag sulfide (jargon) niningerite |
| Molecular formula | MgS |
| Molar mass | 56.5 g/mol |
| Density | 2680 kg/m3 |
| Solubility (water) | decomposes |
| Melting point | >2000 °C |
| Boiling point | xx.x °C |
| CAS number | [12032-36-9] |
| crystallography | [cubic, a = 5.203 Å |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Magnesium sulfide is the chemical compound with the formula MgS. It is a colorless crystalline material but often is encountered in an impure form that is brown and non-crystalline powder.
Contents |
[edit] Preparation
MgS forms by the reaction of sulfur or hydrogen sulfide with magnesium.
[edit] General properties
MgS crystallizes in the rock salt structure, although the zinc blende structure might be anticipated.[1] The chemical properties of MgS resemble those of related ionic sulfides such as those of Na, Ba, Ca: 1) MgS reacts readily with oxygen to form the corresponding sulfate, magnesium sulfate. 2) MgS reacts with water to give hydrogen sulfide and magnesium hydroxide.
[edit] Applications
- MgS is a wide band-gap direct semiconductor of interest as a blue-green emitter, a property that has been known since the early 1900's.[2]
- During the purification of iron, sulfur must be extracted. To achieve this, a "lance" is introduced into the molten metal, and powdered magnesium is poured in. In a violent exothermic reaction ensues, resulting in MgS, which is then raked off as a component of the slag.[3]
- MgS is claimed to slow labor (childbirth).
[edit] Safety
MgS evolves hydrogen sulfide upon contact with moisture.
[edit] References
- ^ Guntert, O. J.; Faessler, A. "Lattice constants of the alkaline earth sulfides MgS, CaS, SrS, and BaS" Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Kristallgeometrie, Kristallphysik, Kristallchemie (1956), volume 107, pages 357-61.
- ^ Tiede, E. "Reindarstellung von Magnesiumsulfid und seine Phosphorescenz. I (Preparation of pure magnesium sulfide and its phosphorescence. I)" Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft (1916), volume 49, pages 1745-9.
- ^ Irons, G. A.; Guthrie, R. I. L. "Kinetic aspects of magnesium desulfurization of blast furnace iron" Ironmaking and Steelmaking (1981), volume 8, pp.114-21.
[edit] External links
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