Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2MoS4 and (NH4)2WS4heat of formation of (NH4)2MoS4

The reactions (NH₄)₂MeS₄ = 2 NH₃ + H₂S + MeS₃ (Me = Mo, W) were investigated by measuring the decomposition vapour pressures. Thermochemical data were obtained from these measurements: ΔH = 52 kcal/mole and ΔS = 105 cal/deg.mole for the decomposition of the tetrathiomolybdate. Similarly, ΔH = 69 kcal/mole and ΔS = 106 cal/deg.mole were obtained for the decomposition of the tetrathiotungstate. The normal heat of formation of (NH₄)₂MoS₄ was found to be ΔH = ?140 kcal/mole. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of the above reactions were also measured.