[cauton1497]

I need to balance this equation:

P2S5 + C18H35(NH2) --> HS- + compound 1 + compound 2

I am told:
compound 1: contains phosphorus and possibly leftover sulfur and "reacts" with amine
compound 2: does not contain phosphorus or sulfur and has to balance out the charge on the hydrosulfide ion

My best guess is P2S5 + C18H35(NH2) --> 5HS- + 2P + C18H33(NH3)+ but clearly there is a problem with the hydrogens and I don't think this is correct.

Please help

[ithinkiknow]

it might help that P2S5 is a dimer in the form P4S10 which has a stable P4S8 derivative. assuming 2 amines each generating 1 H+ that would lead to 2HS- and P4S8 (most likely alpha form).

Hope that helps.