Silver(I) sulfide

inorganic compound

Silver(I) sulfide, also known as silver sulfide and silver sulphide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Ag2S. It contains silver in its +1 oxidation state. It also contains sulfide ions.

Silver sulfide.

Properties

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It is a black solid. It reacts with acids. It is heavy. It can irritate the skin.

Occurrence and preparation

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It exists in the ground as acanthite and argentite. It is also made when silver is in air containing hydrogen sulfide. The oxygen in air cannot oxidize the silver directly; the hydrogen sulfide helps it. It is the tarnish on silver items.

It is mostly an unwanted product when silver tarnishes.

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