Enthalpies of formation of pyrrhotite Fe1-0.125xS (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solutions

Binary iron sulfides are of major interest and importance in environmental, geological, and planetary science. Oxidative high-temperature oxide melt drop-solution calorimetry in molten sodium molybdate (3Na(2)O center dot 4MoO(3)) solvent at 975 K was applied to determine the energetics of formation of the binary iron monosulfide solid solution (pyrrhotite) (Fe(1-0.125)xS, 0 <= x <= 1). The enthalpies of formation from elements are consistent with earlier data in the literature, available for a few compositions. Within the experimental errors, the enthalpies of formation of the solid solution from the end-members Fe0.875S and FeS (Delta H-mix, kJ/mol) at 25 degrees C equal to zero. Under the assumption of random distribution of Fe vacancies, the Gibbs free energies of mixing of Fe1-0.125xS (0 <= x <= 1) are estimated. Our data support the two-sublattice model proposed by Waldner and Pelton (2005).