Sulphur
Sulphur exists in nature in various forms, and that gives us a word worth learning.
Allotropes
When an element exists in nature in several different forms, those forms are called the allotropes of that element.
Sulphur exists as brittle yellow crystals and also as a white powder-like amorphous form. It is found free as the element and also as compounds such as sulphates and sulphides. It is a component element of some of the amino acids in the bodies of living things, and it shows non-metallic properties clearly.
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Physical properties
- The crystalline form is yellow.
- It is insoluble in water; it dissolves slightly in organic solvents, and very well indeed in carbon disulphide.
Chemical properties
- Sulphur burns in air with a blue flame, forming sulphur dioxide gas.
- Many metals, heated with sulphur, form the sulphide of the metal.
Uses
- Producing sulphuric acid.
- Vulcanising rubber.
- Making calcium and magnesium sulphite — used for bleaching wood pulp.
- Producing sulphide dyes, solvents such as carbon disulphide, sulphur dioxide gas, matches, fireworks and gunpowder.
- Making wine and beer, acting as a fungicide, and producing medicines.