What Happens When Sodium Sulfide Reacts With Acid?

When sodium sulfide reacts with an acid, a neutralization reaction occurs. The sodium cation (Na+) in sodium sulfide reacts with the hydrogen ion (H+) in the acid to form water (H2O), and the sulfide anion (S2-) reacts with the remaining acid anion to form a salt. The overall chemical equation for the reaction is:

Na2S + 2H+ → 2Na+ + H2S

where Na2S is sodium sulfide and H2S is hydrogen sulfide.

The resulting hydrogen sulfide gas may be toxic and have an unpleasant odor. Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken when conducting this reaction, such as conducting it in a well-ventilated area and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.