Demagnetisation of iron. Image 2 of 3. Iron filings being reacted with sulphur in a crucible over a Bunsen burner. In this reaction, the iron and sulphur combine to form iron sulphide. Metallic iron is magnetic, and is attracted to a magnet. The compound that results from this reaction is not magnetic. See images A230/083-085 for a sequence showing the iron being demagnetised by a reaction with sulphur.