Sulfur: The Element

The element sulfur or sulphur is a non-metallic chemical substance. Traditionally, many countries spelled it as 'sulphur', but in the US it is denoted as 'sulfur'. Now, the IUPAC has also adopted the spelling of the element as 'sulfur'. In ancient times, sulfur was commonly known as brimstone. It is chemically represented as S. The atomic number of sulfur is 16 and its atomic weight is 32.06.

Extraction of Sulfur from Minerals

The common method used for the extraction of sulfur from its minerals is known as Frasch process. Here, three concentric pipes are inserted into the deposits of the mineral. Superheated water is poured into the outer pipe that helps in melting the sulfur. Hot compressed air is filled inside the innermost pipe which facilitate in the creation of foam and pressure. Due to the high pressure created by the compressed air, the sulfur foam thus formed comes out through the middle pipe. Sulfur obtained by this method is 99.5 percent pure and does not need any distillation.

Properties of Sulfur

Normally, sulfur is found in a solid state with a brilliant yellow color. The odor of sulfur has a similarity with that of safety matches. It is a soft substance but does not dissolve in water. However, it is completely soluble in carbon disulfide and slightly soluble in some organic solvents like benzene and toluene. When sulfur burns in air, it gives a blue flame and sulfur dioxide gas is formed. Sulfur reacts with most of the elements to form a stable compound, but it does not react with the noble gases.

Solid sulfur is found in a crown-shaped cyclic structure with S8 molecules. Sulfur in crystalline form have different shapes. Rhombic and monoclinic are the most common forms of crystalline sulfur. The most unique property of sulfur is that the viscosity of sulfur in molten state increases when the temperature goes above 200° C. This happens because of the formation of polymer molecules of sulfur. Though, at a much higher temperature, the molecules are depolymerized and the viscosity decreases.

Uses of Sulfur

The element sulfur is essential for making a large variety of other useful chemical substances. One such chemical is sulfuric acid which is used in a large scale in various types of industries. It readily reacts with methane to give carbon disulfide which is useful for the production of rayon.

Sulfur is also used in the manufacturing of detergents, insecticides, fungicides, safety matches and gunpowder. It can act as a preservative and is mostly used for preserving dry fruits.

One of the most important application of sulfur is in the form of fertilizers. Sulfur is a major nutrient for the plants and is required for their overall growth, formation of root nodules, and protection of plants from various diseases.

Sulfur is an indispensable component for all living cells. It is a constituent in two very important amino acids, cysteine and methionine in both plants and animals. Sulfur is an important component for many creams that are used for the treatment for eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.

Hazardous Effects of Sulfur

There are some compounds of sulfur which have hazardous effects and should be very carefully handled. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic and can cause death. When sulfur dioxide is used as a food additive, it should be used in small quantities only or else it can cause damage to eyes, lungs and other tissues.

Burning of fossil fuel releases sulfur dioxide, which when reacts with water and oxygen present in the air produces sulfuric acid. This sulfuric acid thus formed leads to acid rain which causes contamination of soil and water pollution.

The element sulfur is one such substance that has a number of uses and has an important role to play in various industries. However, a few necessary precautionary measures need to be taken to control the ill-effects of some of its compounds.