Rhenium(VII) sulfide explained

Rhenium(VII) sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula Re₂S₇. It has a complex structure, but can be synthesized from direct combination of the elements:^[1] 2Re + 7S ->[{}\atop\Delta] Re2S7Alternatively, rhenium(VII) oxide reacts with hydrogen sulfide in 4N HCl to the same end: Re2O7 + 7H2S ->[{}\atop\Delta] Re2S7 + 7H2O

The compound catalyses the reduction of nitric oxide to nitrous oxide and hydrogenation of double bonds. In this regard, it unusually tolerates sulfur compounds, which poison noble metal catalysts.

Rhenium(VII) sulfide decomposes when heated. In vacuum, it generates rhenium(IV) sulfide:

Re _{2S} _{7} \xrightarrow{600 ^{oC} 2 ReS _{2} + 3 S }

In air, the sulfide oxidizes to sulfur dioxide:

2Re _{2S} _{7} +21O _{2} \xrightarrow{\Delta 2 Re _{2 O} _{7} + 14 SO _{2} }

References

• Kunyants, I. L. et al, eds. (1995). Химическая энциклопедия [''Chemical encyclopedia''] . Moscow: Soviet Encyclopedias.
• Nikolsky, B. P. et al, eds. (1971). Справочник химика [''Handbook of Chemistry''] . 3^rd (revised) ed. Leningrad: Khimiya Publishing.
• Ripan, R.; Ceteanu, I. (1972). Химия металлов [''Chemistry of Metals''] . Неорганическая химия [Inorganic chemistry]. Moscow: Mir.

Notes and References

1. Schwarz, D. E. . Frenkel, A. I. . Nuzzo, R. G. . Rauchfuss, T. B. . Vairavamurthy, A. . 2004 . Electrosynthesis of . XAS Analysis of,, and . Chemistry of Materials . 16 . 151–158 . 10.1021/cm034467v.