Anaerobically, H₂S May Be Photolyzed To

Question

Anaerobically, H₂S may be photolyzed to
A) sulfate.
B) sulfite.
C) sulfur dioxide.
D) sulfuric acid.
E) elemental sulfur.

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic photolysis of H₂S can lead to the formation of elemental sulfur, which can be seen as a yellow precipitate. This reaction is known as the sulfur cycle, which plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of sulfur in anaerobic environments. The other products listed (sulfate, sulfite, sulfur dioxide, and sulfuric acid) are typically formed through alternative pathways, such as oxidation or acidification of sulfur-containing compounds.