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How are Hydrogen Iodine and Sulphur Obtained When Hydrogen Sulphide and Iodine Are Reacted?

Published in Chemical Reactions 2 mins read


Hydrogen iodide (HI) and sulphur (S) are directly obtained as the products of a chemical reaction between hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and iodine (I₂).

This reaction is a straightforward chemical transformation where hydrogen sulphide reacts with elemental iodine to yield hydrogen iodide and elemental sulphur.

## The Chemical Reaction

The process is represented by the following balanced chemical equation:

**H₂S + I₂ → 2HI + S**

In this equation:

*   **H₂S** (Hydrogen sulphide) and **I₂** (Iodine) are the **reactants** – the substances that react together.
*   **HI** (Hydrogen iodide) and **S** (Sulphur) are the **products** – the substances that are formed as a result of the reaction.

When hydrogen sulphide gas is brought into contact with iodine (which can be in solid form, or dissolved), the reaction occurs, forming hydrogen iodide gas and solid sulphur. This reaction is often used in laboratories for producing hydrogen iodide.

## Redox Aspects of the Reaction

The reaction between hydrogen sulphide and iodine is a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction, meaning it involves the transfer of electrons.

According to the provided reference, the reducing and oxidising agents involved in this reaction are:

*   **Reducing Agent:** Iodine
*   **Oxidising Agent:** Sulphur

*(Note: In the standard chemical understanding of this reaction, Hydrogen Sulphide (specifically the sulphur atom in H₂S) acts as the reducing agent, getting oxidised from a -2 oxidation state to 0 in elemental sulphur, while Iodine acts as the oxidising agent, getting reduced from a 0 oxidation state in I₂ to -1 in HI.)*

The formation of hydrogen iodide and sulphur is a direct result of this electron transfer process, where bonds are broken and formed, leading to the creation of the new product molecules.

In summary, hydrogen iodide and sulphur are produced as the direct outcome of the reaction when hydrogen sulphide and iodine are combined, following the chemical equation H₂S + I₂ → 2HI + S.

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