This equation describes a chemical reaction between zinc sulfide (ZnS) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), producing zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This reaction belongs to the type of acid-base reactions as defined by Arrhenius, in which the acid (HCl) reacts with the base (ZnS) to form a salt (ZnCl2) and a compound carrying a -SH group (H2S).
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction requires the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl), and typically occurs under room pressure and temperature conditions.
- Reaction process:
When zinc sulfide (ZnS) encounters hydrochloric acid (HCl), it reacts to form zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Each ZnS molecule requires 2 HCl molecules to fully react, producing 1 ZnCl2 molecule and 1 H2S molecule.
- Phenomena observed:
When the reaction occurs, a solid (ZnS) will dissolve in the acid solution (HCl) to form a solution containing zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). H2S is a gas with a distinctive foul smell, so you may notice a change in odor when the reaction takes place.