WS₂ is not truly soluble in aqua regia (3:1 HNO₃:HCl) in the sense of forming a stable solution, but it does react slowly, decomposing rather than dissolving. Aqua regia, a potent oxidizing mixture, attacks WS₂ over time, producing tungsten trioxide (WO₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S): WS₂ + 8HNO₃ + 6HCl → WO₃ + 2H₂S + 8NO₂ + 3Cl₂ + 5H₂O (approximate). WO₃ is insoluble in aqua regia, precipitating as a solid, while H₂S escapes as a gas, leaving no dissolved WS₂ components.
Reaction rates depend on concentration, temperature, and particle size. In standard aqua regia (25°C), fine WS₂ powder shows visible degradation within hours, with WO₃ forming a yellow-white residue, confirmed by XRD. Bulk WS₂ reacts more slowly (days), as its layered structure limits acid penetration. Unlike metals (e.g., gold, soluble as AuCl₄⁻), WS₂’s covalent nature resists full dissolution. Compared to MoS₂, which also decomposes in aqua regia (forming MoO₃), WS₂ is slightly more resistant due to stronger W-S bonds.
Heating (e.g., 50-70°C) accelerates the reaction, but solubility remains nil—products are solids or gases. This reactivity distinguishes aqua regia from dilute HCl, highlighting WS₂’s vulnerability to strong oxidants. For applications, this limits WS₂’s use in highly oxidative acidic environments unless protected.
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