S
Sulfur is a bright yellow nonmetal known since ancient times, essential for life.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 32.06 u |
| Density | 2.067 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 388.36 K |
| Boiling Point | 717.87 K |
| Appearance | Bright yellow crystalline solid |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 2.58 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 999.6 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 200.41 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Ne] 3s2 3p4 |
| Atomic Radius | 88.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 105.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 180.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Known since antiquity |
| Location | Various |
| Named After | Latin 'sulphur' or Sanskrit 'sulvere' |
About Sulfur
Sulfur is a bright yellow crystalline solid at room temperature and one of the few elements found in pure form in nature. Known since antiquity as 'brimstone,' sulfur is essential for life in the amino acids cysteine and methionine.
Uses & Applications
Sulfuric acid production, vulcanization of rubber, fungicides, gunpowder, matches, and fertilizers.
Fun Fact
Sulfur is sometimes called 'brimstone,' and volcanic vents releasing sulfur compounds create the 'rotten egg' smell.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 32 | 0.9499% | - | Yes |
| 33 | 0.0075% | - | Yes |
| 34 | 0.0425% | - | Yes |
| 36 | 0.0001% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Ne] 3s2 3p4