Re: Liver of sulfur?

I don't know about all of this polysulfide business and carbonate additives,
etc. Bottom line --> Liver of sulfur is K2S or K2Sx5H20 (5 waters
attached).

Upon contact with acids (i.e. citric acid), it gives off hydrogen sulfide
which is highly toxic.....not to mention that it will stink you out of your
house. The owner of the chemical company I work for nearly died once from
H2S overexposure. It is not to be taken lightly.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John" <ap@darkroompro.com>
To: <alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca>
Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2003 9:39 PM
Subject: Re: Liver of sulfur?

> On Sat, 01 Nov 2003 22:40:18 -0500 (EST), you wrote:
>
> > Polysulfide and liver of sulfur are
> > different mixtures and they are not interchangeable. Polysulfide does
> > not contain carbonate. Liver of sulfur does.
>
> I believe that this is the fault of the industry. Also I believe that you
> are talking about sodium polysulfide are you not ?
>
> sodium polysulfide
> Status: ISO 765
> IUPAC: sodium polysulfide
> CAS: sodium sulfide (Na2(Sx))
> Reg. No.: 1344-08-7
> Formula: Na2Sx
>
> "An inorganic polymer occuring as a yellow-brown, granular, combustible
> solid. Sodium polysulfide is used in the production of sulfur dyes and
> insecticides, and as a petroleum additive."
>
> Also note
>
> From : http://www.books.md/
>
> Liver of sulfur
>
> "A mixture composed chiefly of potassium polysulfides and potassium
> thiosulfate; used externally in scabies, acne, and psoriasis; used in the
> manufacture of "white lotion". "
>
> --
>
> Regards,
>
> John S. Douglas, Photographer
> http://www.darkroompro.com
Received on Sat Nov 1 23:24:27 2003