Potassium polysulfide

Potassium polysulfide (CAS 37199-66-9, EC 253-390-1) is an inorganic sulfur-potassium salt commercially known as Liver of Sulphur, sometimes abbreviated K2Sx to reflect its variable sulfur chain length. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 28309085.

In agriculture, it functions as a contact fungicide and insecticide, releasing reactive polysulfide ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes and suffocate soft-bodied pests. Water treatment operations use it to precipitate heavy metals such as copper and mercury from effluent streams through sulfide complexation, while mining applications exploit the same chemistry for selective mineral flotation and metal recovery.

Potassium polysulfide is supplied as ochre to brown solid lumps and falls under REACH registration requirements for European procurement. Buyers should confirm technical-grade specifications and request a full Safety Data Sheet, as the material is classified as hazardous under CLP regulations. Packaging formats and minimum order quantities vary by supplier.