Product Safety Summary — Sodium Sulfide Solution

Chemical Identity

Mixture of the following:

Water
CAS# 7732-18-5

Sodium Sulfide
CAS #1313-82-2
EC # 215.211.5

Sodium Hydroxide
CAS# 1310-73-2
EC# 215-185-5

Also commonly called

• Sulfidic Caustic

Product Overview

• One source of Sodium Sulfide Solution is the oil refining process. Caustic water (Sodium Hydroxide) is used to remove sulfur compounds from certain hydrocarbon streams resulting from the fractionation of crude oil. The resulting “spent caustic” solution contains Sodium Sulfide, Sodium Hydroxide or, typically, a combination of both. Merichem Chemicals & Refinery Services LLC supplies this material to various industries with transportation handled by tank truck, rail car or barge.
• The primary end use for Sodium Sulfide Solution is in the paper making process. Sodium Sulfide is used to help digest the lignin in wood fibers – that is to say it helps separate the lignin from the cellulose. Usage of Sodium Sulfide Solution used in this manner provides a “re-cycle” use of this material as a chemical product. In addition, Sodium Sulfide Solution improves paper mill economics by reducing the amount of virgin Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydrosulfide the mills need to purchase.
  
• The primary hazard is as an eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant. The material can cause burns if exposed to skin, eye, or respiratory tract. There are no known chronic, mutagenic or teratogenic effects. While exposure limits have not been established for this material, exposure limits have been established for components including Sodium Hydroxide (see MSDS for details).
• Contacting Sodium Sulfide Solution with mineral acids such as Hydrochloric Acid or Sulfuric Acid will liberate Hydrogen Sulfide. Hydrogen Sulfide is a flammable and toxic gas.
• Pungent, garlic like odor may be present due to the presence of sulfur compounds.
• The material is stable at standard temperature and pressure and is not reactive.
• For further health and safety information, please consult the MSDS.
  

Physical/Chemical Properties

• Sodium sulfide is a clear, amber colored aqueous solution with pungent garlic like odor
• pH >11.0
• Boiling point ~220F, 104C. freeze point ~33F
• Flash point — Aqueous solution, not flammable. However, it is possible during transit that a thin hydrocarbon layer floating on the surface could be flammable.
• Not an oxidizer and not explosive
• Water soluble
• Stable (not reactive) at standard temperature and pressure
  

Health Information

Sodium Sulfide Solution may be corrosive to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and may be harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed the through the skin. Sodium Sulfide Solution is also expected to be an eye and skin irritant. It can also be a respiratory irritant if there is exposure to high vapor levels. Lung damage may occur if swallowed and aspirated. There are no known chronic, mutagenic, or teratogenic hazards.

Skin contact

Wash affected areas with soap and water. Continue to flush with water.

Ingestion

Do not induce vomiting. Give 2–3 glasses of milk or water to dilute. Contact physician or poison control center for further treatment.

Inhalation

Remove to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

Eye Contact

Flush with water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.

Environmental Information

• Ecotoxicity — no known ecotoxic effects
• Persistence and degradability — not known
• Bioaccumulation potential — not known
• Mobility in soil — not known

No formal ecological data is available. Sodium hydroxide is considered to be toxic to aquatic life.

Additional Hazards

Heating of solution may cause the release of hydrogen sulfide gas. Contacting solution with mineral acids such as Hydrochloric Acid and Sulfuric Acid will release Hydrogen Sulfide. Hydrogen Sulfide vapors may cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of Hydrogen Sulfide can result in loss of consciousness, respiratory failure, and death. Hydrogen Sulfide is also a flammable gas that, depending upon vapor concentration, may create a flammable atmosphere. It has a rotten-egg-like odor.

Exposure Potential

Sodium Sulfide Solution is intended as an industrial product only; no direct consumer contact is expected to occur. Industrial users should handle this material in strict accordance with MSDS guidelines and common industry practices.