In: Chemistry
Hydrogen sulfide gas is an extremely toxic (and smelly) gas that can form from anaerobic digestion (e.g. in sewer pipes). The ΔGf° of H2S (g) and H2S (aq) are -33.4 kJ/mol and -27.87 kJ/mol, respectively so that KH = 9.32 atm/(mole/L) at 25 C. At concentrations above 0.01 ppm in the air, the rotten egg smell is first noticeable. At concentrations above 2 ppm, the gas becomes toxic. Calculate the pH of water in equilibrium with H2S at 0.01 ppm and 2 ppm.
H2S gas will dissolve into water according to:
H2S (g) = H2S (aq) KH = 9.32 atm/mol/L
H2S (aq) will also dissociate as a weak acid according to:
H2S = H+ + HS- Ka1 = 10-7
HS- = H+ + S2- Ka2 = 10-11