Sulfur
🥚 In Your World
Sulfur is famous for its distinctive smell, often associated with rotten eggs (though that smell actually comes from hydrogen sulfide, a sulfur compound). It's a key ingredient in gunpowder and is used in the vulcanization of rubber, making it strong and durable for tires. Its most significant industrial use is in the production of sulfuric acid, a vital chemical for making fertilizers, detergents, and batteries.
📖 The Discovery Story
Sulfur, known in ancient times as brimstone, has been used for thousands of years. In 1777, Antoine Lavoisier convinced the scientific community that sulfur was an element, not a compound. Its name is derived from the Latin word sulphur. The bright yellow solid is found naturally near volcanoes and hot springs.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Melting Point | 115.21 °C / 239.38 °F |
| Boiling Point | 444.6 °C / 832.3 °F |
| Electron Configuration | [Ne] 3s²3p⁴ |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.0384% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Elemental sulfur is not toxic and is safe to handle. However, many of its compounds are hazardous. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a major air pollutant that causes acid rain, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a highly toxic and flammable gas. Burning sulfur produces sulfur dioxide, which can be irritating to the respiratory system.