How Many Atoms are Present in A H2S Molecule

Introduction

There are a total of 3 atoms in an H2S molecule. Hydrogen sulphide is a compound with the formula H2S which is a colourless chalcogen-hydride gas and it is corrosive, poisonous and flammable, with trace amounts in the ambient atmosphere. Hydrogen sulphide has a characteristic foul odour like rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulphide or H2S is toxic to humans and many animals by inhibiting their cellular respiration in a way similar to hydrogen cyanide. When H2S is inhaled or its salts are ingested in high quantities, it leads to damaging organs which occur rapidly with symptoms such as breathing difficulties like convulsions and death. In spite of this, the human body produces sulphide in small amounts and its mineral salts, which are used as a signalling molecule. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is often produced by the microbial decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, like in sewers and swamps, that’s why this process is known as anaerobic digestion, achieved by sulphate-reducing microorganisms. This process also occurs in natural gas deposits, volcanic gases and as well as in well-drawn water.

Number of Atoms in A Molecule of H2S or Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has a similar structure like water. There are a total of 3 atoms in an H2S molecule. Out of three elements, two are hydrogen, and 1 is sulphur.

Characteristics of Hydrogen Sulfide

• H2S gas is colourless with a characteristic odour like that of rotten eggs.

• It is a highly flammable, corrosive, and poisonous gas.

• Hydrogen sulphide has a structure similar to water.

• In an H2S molecule, 3 atoms are present in total. Out of the three, 2 are hydrogen and 1 is sulphur.

Sources and Uses of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced naturally by decaying or decomposed organic matter and is released from sewage sludge, sulfur hot springs, liquid manure, and natural gas. Also, it is a byproduct of various industrial processes such as petroleum refining, mining, tanning, wood pulp processing, sugar beet processing, rayon manufacturing and hot asphalt paving. Also, it is used to produce sulfuric acid, elemental sulphur, and heavy water for nuclear reactors.

Hydrogen sulphide is a gas directly obtained if the hydrogen sulphide-carbon dioxide ratio is high enough to yield an acid gas with the optimum hydrogen sulphide content (80-90 vol%) or a selective sweetening process can be used, after additional treatment which consists of selective reprocessing (desired purity, 90-95%) or subsequent distillation and compression.

Toxicity

Prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulphide may result in irritation to the eyes and respiratory system. Also, it can cause apnea, convulsions, coma, dizziness, weakness, headache, irritability, stomach upset, insomnia and if liquid: frostbite.

People working may be harmed from long exposure to hydrogen sulphide and the level of exposure depends upon the duration, dose, and work being done.

H2S is used in many industries such as it’s used in the production of textiles. Some examples of the workers at risk of getting exposed to hydrogen sulphide include as follows:

• Workers in factories where rayon textiles are produced

• Natural gas workers and petroleum workers involved in drilling and refining

• People working in wastewater treatment industries

• Workers on farms with landfills or manure storage pits

Conclusion

Hydrogen sulphide or H2S appears as a colourless gas which has a strong odour of rotten eggs and its boiling point is 60.2 °C. It is a highly flammable conjugate acid of cyanide that occurs naturally in natural gas, crude petroleum and hot springs, which can be produced by bacterial decomposition of organic material and waste. Also, it is used as a chemical weapon agent. The gas can cause irritation of the eyes, and respiratory tract, and can cause toxic systemic effects. It can also be produced from human and animal wastes. Bacteria found in our mouth and gastrointestinal tract synthesise hydrogen sulphide from bacteria-decomposing components that contain vegetable or animal proteins.