Sodium sulfide (Na₂S) is an inorganic compound available as colorless crystalline powder or yellow flakes. This highly hygroscopic material is easily soluble in water, with aqueous solutions exhibiting strong alkaline properties. Industrial sodium sulfide typically appears in colors ranging from pink to brownish-red and earthy yellow due to impurities.

• Dyeing Industry: Primary raw material for sulfurized dyes production and dissolving agent for sulfurized dyes in printing and dyeing processes
• Leather Processing: Hydrolysis agent for hair removal from raw hides and preparation of sodium polysulfide for hide softening
• Paper Manufacturing: Cooking agent in paper production processes
• Textile Industry: Denitrification agent for artificial fibers and mordant for cotton fabric dyeing
• Metal Treatment: Improves surface quality in aluminum alloy etching and removes heavy metal impurities
• Electroplating: Forms conductive layers on non-metallic surfaces through reaction with palladium
• Chemical Production: Raw material for sodium thiosulfate, sodium polysulfide, and various sulfur dyes

Sodium sulfide aqueous solutions exhibit strong alkaline reactions and can cause burns upon contact with skin and hair. Proper personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection is recommended during handling.