A mixture of Na2Sn (n = 2, 4, 5) has a yellow-brown color, Na2S2 - yellow. All Na2Sn - a very hard, melt without decomposition, melts - brown mobile liquid. Thermal stability decreases with increasing n. Readily soluble in water, hydrolyzed (on anion) is significantly weaker than Na2S. The aqueous solution is yellow. Oxidized in air. Reacts with acids and strong reducing agents.
Obtaining sodium polysulfides Na2(Sn):
2Na + E = Na2E (t>130 , E = S, Se, ) 2Na + nS = Na2(Sn) [-40 , in the liquid NH3, n = 1, 2, 4, 5]. Na2S (solution) + (n-1)S = Na2(Sn) [boiling] Na2S + S = Na2(S2). Na2S + 3S = Na2(S4). Na2S + 4S = Na2(S5).