What is "polysulfane"

n. (context chemistry English) any compound, of general formula HS_''n''H (''n'' > 2), having an unbranched chain of sulfur atoms

A polysulfane is a chemical compound of formula H S, where x > 1, although sometimes disulfane, HS is excluded. Polysulfanes consist of unbranched chains of sulfur atoms terminated with hydrogen. Compounds containing 2-8 concatenated sulfur atoms have been isolated, longer chain compounds have been detected, but only in solution. HS is colourless, higher members are yellow with the colour increasing with the sulfur content. Even a trace of alkali will cause chemical decomposition, and containers need to be treated with acid to remove any traces of alkali.
In the chemical literature the term polysulfanes is sometimes used for compounds containing −(S)−, e.g. organic polysulfanes R−(S)−R.