Sulfur

Sulfur
Sulfur block | Image: Learnool

Sulfur (S), also spelled as sulphur (in British English) is a chemical element of the periodic table, located in the group 16 and the period 3, and is having the atomic number 16. It is a brittle, pale yellow reactive nonmetal, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word “sulvere” or Latin word “sulfurium”. It is a member of the chalcogen group and is the 16th most abundant element on earth.

On periodic table

group 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
period
1 1
H
Click on the image to learn more!

Hydrogen
2
He
Click on the image to learn more!

Helium
2 3
Li
Click on the image to learn more!

Lithium
4
Be
Click on the image to learn more!

Beryllium
5
B
Click on the image to learn more!

Boron
6
C
Click on the image to learn more!

Carbon
7
N
Click on the image to learn more!

Nitrogen
8
O
Click on the image to learn more!

Oxygen
9
F
Click on the image to learn more!

Fluorine
10
Ne
Click on the image to learn more!

Neon
3 11
Na
Click on the image to learn more!

Sodium
12
Mg
Click on the image to learn more!

Magnesium
13
Al
Click on the image to learn more!

Aluminium
14
Si
Click on the image to learn more!

Silicon
15
P
Click on the image to learn more!

Phosphorus
16
S
Sulfur
17
Cl
Click on the image to learn more!

Chlorine
18
Ar
Click on the image to learn more!

Argon
4 19
K
Click on the image to learn more!

Potassium
20
Ca
Click on the image to learn more!

Calcium
21
Sc
Click on the image to learn more!

Scandium
22
Ti
Click on the image to learn more!

Titanium
23
V
Click on the image to learn more!

Vanadium
24
Cr
Click on the image to learn more!

Chromium
25
Mn
Click on the image to learn more!

Manganese
26
Fe
Click on the image to learn more!

Iron
27
Co
Click on the image to learn more!

Cobalt
28
Ni
Click on the image to learn more!

Nickel
29
Cu
Click on the image to learn more!

Copper
30
Zn
Click on the image to learn more!

Zinc
31
Ga
Click on the image to learn more!

Gallium
32
Ge
Click on the image to learn more!

Germanium
33
As
Click on the image to learn more!

Arsenic
34
Se
Click on the image to learn more!

Selenium
35
Br
Click on the image to learn more!

Bromine
36
Kr
Click on the image to learn more!

Krypton
5 37
Rb
Click on the image to learn more!

Rubidium
38
Sr
Click on the image to learn more!

Strontium
39
Y
Click on the image to learn more!

Yttrium
40
Zr
Click on the image to learn more!

Zirconium
41
Nb
Click on the image to learn more!

Niobium
42
Mo
Click on the image to learn more!

Molybdenum
43
Tc
Click on the image to learn more!

Technetium
44
Ru
Click on the image to learn more!

Ruthenium
45
Rh
Click on the image to learn more!

Rhodium
46
Pd
Click on the image to learn more!

Palladium
47
Ag
Click on the image to learn more!

Silver
48
Cd
Click on the image to learn more!

Cadmium
49
In
Click on the image to learn more!

Indium
50
Sn
Click on the image to learn more!

Tin
51
Sb
Click on the image to learn more!

Antimony
52
Te
Click on the image to learn more!

Tellurium
53
I
Click on the image to learn more!

Iodine
54
Xe
Click on the image to learn more!

Xenon
6 55
Cs
Click on the image to learn more!

Caesium
56
Ba
Click on the image to learn more!

Barium
72
Hf
Click on the image to learn more!

Hafnium
73
Ta
Click on the image to learn more!

Tantalum
74
W
Click on the image to learn more!

Tungsten
75
Re
Click on the image to learn more!

Rhenium
76
Os
Click on the image to learn more!

Osmium
77
Ir
Click on the image to learn more!

Iridium
78
Pt
Click on the image to learn more!

Platinum
79
Au
Click on the image to learn more!

Gold
80
Hg
Click on the image to learn more!

Mercury
81
Tl
Click on the image to learn more!

Thallium
82
Pb
Click on the image to learn more!

Lead
83
Bi
Click on the image to learn more!

Bismuth
84
Po
Click on the image to learn more!

Polonium
85
At
Click on the image to learn more!

Astatine
86
Rn
Click on the image to learn more!

Radon
7 87
Fr
Click on the image to learn more!

Francium
88
Ra
Click on the image to learn more!

Radium
104
Rf
Click on the image to learn more!

Rutherfordium
105
Db
Click on the image to learn more!

Dubnium
106
Sg
Click on the image to learn more!

Seaborgium
107
Bh
Click on the image to learn more!

Bohrium
108
Hs
Click on the image to learn more!

Hassium
109
Mt
Click on the image to learn more!

Meitnerium
110
Ds
Click on the image to learn more!

Darmstadtium
111
Rg
Click on the image to learn more!

Roentgenium
112
Cn
Click on the image to learn more!

Copernicium
113
Nh
Click on the image to learn more!

Nihonium
114
Fl
Click on the image to learn more!

Flerovium
115
Mc
Click on the image to learn more!

Moscovium
116
Lv
Click on the image to learn more!

Livermorium
117
Ts
Click on the image to learn more!

Tennessine
118
Og
Click on the image to learn more!

Oganesson
57
La
Click on the image to learn more!

Lanthanum
58
Ce
Click on the image to learn more!

Cerium
59
Pr
Click on the image to learn more!

Praseodymium
60
Nd
Click on the image to learn more!

Neodymium
61
Pm
Click on the image to learn more!

Promethium
62
Sm
Click on the image to learn more!

Samarium
63
Eu
Click on the image to learn more!

Europium
64
Gd
Click on the image to learn more!

Gadolinium
65
Tb
Click on the image to learn more!

Terbium
66
Dy
Click on the image to learn more!

Dysprosium
67
Ho
Click on the image to learn more!

Holmium
68
Er
Click on the image to learn more!

Erbium
69
Tm
Click on the image to learn more!

Thulium
70
Yb
Click on the image to learn more!

Ytterbium
71
Lu
Click on the image to learn more!

Lutetium
89
Ac
Click on the image to learn more!

Actinium
90
Th
Click on the image to learn more!

Thorium
91
Pa
Click on the image to learn more!

Protactinium
92
U
Click on the image to learn more!

Uranium
93
Np
Click on the image to learn more!

Neptunium
94
Pu
Click on the image to learn more!

Plutonium
95
Am
Click on the image to learn more!

Americium
96
Cm
Click on the image to learn more!

Curium
97
Bk
Click on the image to learn more!

Berkelium
98
Cf
Click on the image to learn more!

Californium
99
Es
Click on the image to learn more!

Einsteinium
100
Fm
Click on the image to learn more!

Fermium
101
Md
Click on the image to learn more!

Mendelevium
102
No
Click on the image to learn more!

Nobelium
103
Lr
Click on the image to learn more!

Lawrencium
– p block

Sulfur is a p-block element, situated in the sixteenth column, also known as the oxygen group of the periodic table, between phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl). It has the atomic number 16 and is denoted by the symbol S.

Element information

Sulfur Element
Sulfur appearance | Image: Wikipedia
Sulfur Periodic Table
Sulfur location on periodic table | Image: Learnool
Sulfur is found in the third row of the periodic table below the oxygen element.
Origin of name Sanskrit word “sulvere” or Latin word “sulfurium”
Symbol S
Atomic number (Z) 16
Atomic mass 32.065 u
Block p-block
Group 16 (oxygen group)
Period 3
Classification Reactive nonmetal
Covalent radius 105±3 pm
Van der Waals radius 180 pm
Melting point 115.21 ℃, 239.38 ℉, 388.36 K
Boiling point 444.6 ℃, 832.3 ℉, 717.8 K
Electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p4
Learn how to write: Sulfur electron configuration
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 6
Learn how to draw: Sulfur Bohr model
Crystal structure Orthorhombic
Phase at r.t Solid
Density near r.t Alpha: 2.07 g/cm3
Beta: 1.96 g/cm3
Gamma: 1.92 g/cm3
Main isotopes Sulfur-32, Sulfur-33, Sulfur-34, Sulfur-36
Natural occurrence Primordial
Oxidation state -2, +2, +4, +6
Electronegativity (Pauling scale) 2.58
Protons
Neutrons
Electrons
16
16
16
Learn how to find: Sulfur protons neutrons electrons
Valence electrons 6
Learn how to find: Sulfur valence electrons
CAS number 7704-34-9
Discovered Before 2000 BCE

History

Sulfur has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times. The earliest known use of sulfur was by the ancient Sumerians, who used it as a disinfectant and fumigant. The ancient Egyptians also used sulfur for medicinal purposes, and it was mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical texts in the world.

In ancient Greece, sulfur was known as “theion” and was associated with the divine. It was used in religious ceremonies, and its fumes were believed to purify the air and ward off evil spirits. The Greek philosopher Theophrastus wrote about the use of sulfur in medicine, and the famous physician Galen used it to treat skin diseases and infections.

During the Middle Ages, sulfur was widely used in Europe for a variety of purposes, including medicine, agriculture, and the manufacture of gunpowder. It was also used as a bleaching agent for cloth and as a preservative for wine and beer.

In the 18th century, the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier studied the properties of sulfur and showed that it combined with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide. He also demonstrated that sulfuric acid, one of the most important industrial chemicals, was composed of sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Today, sulfur is an essential element used in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, petroleum refining, and chemical manufacturing. It is used to produce sulfuric acid, which is one of the most important industrial chemicals in the world. Sulfur is also used in the production of fertilizers, rubber, detergents, and other products.

Occurrence and production

Sulfur is an abundant non-metallic element that is present in many minerals, such as sulfides, sulfates, and elemental sulfur. Sulfur is found in its elemental form in underground deposits and is also present in volcanic deposits. It is a common element in the Earth’s crust and is the tenth most abundant element in the universe. Sulfur is also found in the atmosphere, where it is present as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and other sulfur-containing compounds.

The production of sulfur involves the extraction of elemental sulfur from natural deposits and the refining of sulfur-containing crude oil and natural gas. The primary method of sulfur extraction is the Frasch process, which involves the injection of hot water into underground sulfur deposits to melt the sulfur, which is then pumped to the surface. Another method of sulfur extraction is the Claus process, which is used to recover sulfur from hydrogen sulfide gas produced during the refining of crude oil and natural gas. The sulfur obtained from these processes is typically purified and used in a variety of industrial applications.

Properties

Physical properties

Sulfur is a nonmetal that exists in various allotropic forms.

The most common form of sulfur is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature and pressure.

Sulfur is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as benzene, carbon disulfide, and toluene.

It has a melting point of 115.21 ℃ and a boiling point of 444.6 ℃.

Chemical properties

Sulfur reacts with many metals to form sulfides.

It also reacts with halogens, oxygen, and nitrogen to form various compounds.

Sulfur is oxidized in air to form sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which can react with water to form sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals, used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and many other products.

Sulfur is also used in the vulcanization of rubber and the production of gunpowder.

Sulfur compounds are responsible for the characteristic odor of rotten eggs.

Applications

Fertilizers

Sulfur is a key ingredient in the production of fertilizers. It is used to produce sulfuric acid, which is then used to create superphosphate fertilizers.

Rubber production

Sulfur is used in the production of rubber to vulcanize it. Vulcanization makes rubber stronger, more durable, and resistant to temperature changes.

Pharmaceuticals

Sulfur compounds are used in the production of many pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Petroleum industry

Sulfur is present in crude oil and natural gas. It needs to be removed because it can cause corrosion and is a pollutant. Sulfur is also used to produce sulfuric acid, which is a key ingredient in the refining of oil.

Food industry

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used as a preservative in many food products, such as dried fruits, canned goods, and wine. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

Personal care products

Sulfur is used in personal care products such as acne treatments, shampoos, and soaps. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to improve skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Gunpowder

Sulfur is a key ingredient in gunpowder, along with charcoal and potassium nitrate. It is used as a fuel and oxidizing agent in the explosive mixture.

Paper production

Sulfur compounds are used in the paper industry to bleach pulp and remove lignin. This process helps to create brighter, whiter paper products.

Pesticides

Sulfur compounds are used as an ingredient in many pesticides, including fungicides and insecticides. They can help to control the growth of unwanted microorganisms and pests.

Textile industry

Sulfur is used in the production of rayon fibers. It is used to dissolve the cellulose in wood pulp, which is then spun into fibers to create rayon textiles.

Interesting facts

Sulfur is the tenth most abundant element in the universe and is found in many minerals, including sulfates and sulfides.

Sulfur has a distinct odor, often described as similar to that of rotten eggs, due to the compound hydrogen sulfide.

Sulfur has been used for thousands of years in various forms, including as a fumigant to disinfect homes and as a key ingredient in gunpowder.

Sulfur is an essential element for all living organisms, and is found in various amino acids and proteins in the body.

Sulfur has a lower melting point than many other metals, and is often used in the vulcanization process of rubber to improve its strength and elasticity.

Sulfur has many important industrial applications, including in the production of fertilizers, paper, and petroleum products.

Sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid, which is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world.

Sulfur can be found in various forms, including flowers of sulfur, sulfur dioxide, and elemental sulfur.

Sulfur has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin conditions and respiratory problems.

Sulfur has a long history of use in religious and spiritual practices, and is associated with purification and healing in many cultures.

Related

More elements

s block
p block
d block
f block
Barium Aluminium Bohrium Actinium
Beryllium Antimony Cadmium Americium
Caesium Argon Chromium Berkelium
Calcium Arsenic Cobalt Californium
Francium Astatine Copernicium Cerium
Helium Bismuth Copper Curium
Hydrogen Boron Darmstadtium Dysprosium
Lithium Bromine Dubnium Einsteinium
Magnesium Carbon Gold Erbium
Potassium Chlorine Hafnium Europium
Radium Flerovium Hassium Fermium
Rubidium Fluorine Iridium Gadolinium
Sodium Gallium Iron Holmium
Strontium Germanium Lawrencium Lanthanum
Indium Lutetium Mendelevium
Iodine Manganese Neodymium
Krypton Meitnerium Neptunium
Lead Mercury Nobelium
Livermorium Molybdenum Plutonium
Moscovium Nickel Praseodymium
Neon Niobium Promethium
Nihonium Osmium Protactinium
Nitrogen Palladium Samarium
Oganesson Platinum Terbium
Oxygen Rhenium Thorium
Phosphorus Rhodium Thulium
Polonium Roentgenium Uranium
Radon Ruthenium Ytterbium
Selenium Rutherfordium
Silicon Scandium
Sulfur Seaborgium
Tellurium Silver
Tennessine Tantalum
Thallium Technetium
Tin Titanium
Xenon Tungsten
Vanadium
Yttrium
Zinc
Zirconium

External links

Deep

Learnool.com was founded by Deep Rana, who is a mechanical engineer by profession and a blogger by passion. He has a good conceptual knowledge on different educational topics and he provides the same on this website. He loves to learn something new everyday and believes that the best utilization of free time is developing a new skill.

Leave a Comment