Question

Does iron (II) sulfide have a high melting point? Why or why not?

Answer 1

This site reports the melting point of `FeS` as `1188` `""^@C`.

Explanation:

This melting point is reasonably high for an ionic species; as we would expect given the `2+`, `2-` charges on each of the ions. Clearly, the sulfide is non-molecular, which accounts for the high melting point. We should, however, make the comparison with `FeO`, which is congeneric with the sulfide. This site reports the melting point as `1377` `""^@C`. Why do you think the melting point of the oxide is greater?