Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine
H2S + Cl2 → 2HCl + S
Overview
Chlorine oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur while being reduced to hydrochloric acid. Sulfur is oxidized from -2 to 0. This reaction is used in removing hydrogen sulfide from natural gas (sweetening) and in treating hydrogen sulfide-containing wastewater.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Hydrogen Sulfide H₂S | 1 | (g) |
| Reactant | Chlorine Cl | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Sulfur S | 1 | (s) |
| Product | Hydrochloric Acid HCl | 2 | (g) |
Everyday Example
The rotten egg smell of hydrogen sulfide from sewers can be eliminated by chlorination, which oxidizes H₂S to odorless elemental sulfur.
Industrial Importance
H₂S removal by chlorine oxidation is used in natural gas sweetening, wastewater treatment, and in the petroleum refining industry.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -186.0 kJ/mol
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine?
The balanced equation is: H₂S + Cl₂ → 2HCl + S.
What type of reaction is Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine?
Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine is a redox reaction.
Is Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine exothermic or endothermic?
Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation by Chlorine is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -186.0 kJ/mol.