Sulfide is a chemical compound that contains sulfur and some other element, usually a metal. All sulfides contain the sulfide ion, a single sulfur atom with an electrical charge of -2. All living beings have sulfide ions in proteins that play a role in the use of food energy.
Sulfides are also important in chemistry and industry. Chemists can use hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous gas, to test for various metals. Carbon disulfide is a solvent of rubber and sulfur, and a local anesthetic. Industries use it to make cellophane, pesticides, and other products. Several sulfides give paints their color. Sulfides are also important sources of metals. Sulfides commonly found in rocks include chalcocite, a sulfide of copper; and cinnabar, a sulfide of mercury.
