The radical-cation of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

A centre formed in KCl crystals doped with KSH has been identified as the H₂S^•- radical-anion (A. Hausmann, Z. Phys., 1966, 192, 313). The EPR parameters for the centre are examined herein and it is suggested that this assignment is incorrect. Also, comparison with the results for authentic H₂S^•- anions in an argon matrix (J. E. Bennett, B. Mile and P. Thomas, J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun., 1966, 192) shows that the centre in KCl crystals cannot be H₂S^•-. Analysis of the EPR parameters leads firmly to the conclusion that this centre is the previously unknown radical-cation, H₂S^•+.