Question

Discuss the nature of sulphides of first row transition elements.

Answer 1

1. Sulphides are formed either by direct combination of metal with sulphur or by reaction of metal salt solution with H₂S or Na₂S.
2. These sulphides generally have the metal in lower oxidation states because sulphur is a weak oxidizing agent.
3. They are usually colored or black in appearance.
4. Sulphides of transition metals are insoluble in water.
5. The formation reflects the stable lower oxidation state chemistry of these metals with sulphur.