Sulphur
SUL-fer
Sulfur (S) a yellow solid non metal in Group 16 of the periodic table. It is brittle and crystalline at room temperature. It has the atomic number 16. It has the symbol S.
Sulfur is a abundant non metal that makes up 3% of the earth’s mass. It was discovered by Antoine Lavoisier in 1789 but in 1823 by the German Chemist Eilhard Mitscherlich obtained Sulfur crystals from cooling molten sulfur. Sulfur exists as allotropes (similar formulas but different structures) of a rhombic and monoclinic Sulphur crystals. Sulfur however has been known since ancient times due to its elemental presence in volcanoes. Sulfur is used in the vulcanisation of rubber and in the production of gunpowder, its most important use is in the production of Sulphuric acid in the contact process. Whilst Sulfur does not smell itself the compounds that it creates such as Hydrogen Sulfide produces a smell similar to that of rotten eggs. It is located in Group 16 as a non metal yellow solid at room temperature, it is brittle. It has a melting point of 115°c and a boiling point of 444°c.
FAQ's
Known to the ancients.
1777
Uses
Used in matches, gunpowder, medicines, rubber and pesticides, dyes and insecticides. Also for making sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Sources
Found in pure form and in ores like cinnabar, galena, sphalerite and stibnite. Pure form is obtained from undergound deposits by the Frasch process.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
S
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