Potassium polysulfide

Potassium polysulfide (CAS 37199-66-9) is an inorganic sulfur-potassium salt used industrially as a biocide and chemical treatment agent across water management, mining, and agricultural applications.

Its sulfide chemistry enables targeted precipitation, microbial control, and soil amendment functions that drive demand across multiple regulated sectors. In water treatment, it precipitates heavy metals from industrial effluent streams.

This supports compliance with discharge limits for lead, mercury, and cadmium. Mining operations use it for selective sulfidization of oxidized copper and gold ores ahead of flotation, improving mineral recovery from refractory feed materials.

In agriculture, it functions as a registered pesticide for controlling fungal pathogens and mite populations on crops. It is typically applied as a foliar spray in approved programs to ensure crop health and yield.

Industrial pH buffering applications also employ it where alkaline sulfide chemistry is needed to condition process streams before downstream treatment. Potassium polysulfide is supplied as an aqueous solution for ease of use.

Concentration and polysulfide chain length vary by grade and intended use. Agricultural and pesticide-grade material is formulated to meet EPA registration requirements, while technical-grade solution is available for mining.

Water treatment procurement also utilizes technical-grade solutions for large-scale operations. Packaging typically ranges from drums to intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) depending on specific volume requirements.