S
32.060Sulfur
Kükürt
Sulfur is a yellow nonmetal with atomic number 16. It forms many important compounds, supports protein structure through sulfur-containing amino acids, and is central to sulfuric acid production, fertilizers, rubber vulcanization and fungicides.
16
32.06 g/mol
[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
2 | 8 | 6
2.58
2.067 g/cm³
115.2 °C
444.7 °C
Antik çağ
Sulfur has been known since ancient times because it occurs naturally near volcanoes and hot springs. The name is related to old Latin and Sanskrit roots, and sulfur became industrially important through sulfuric acid chemistry.
Sulfur-32
Natural abundance: About 95.0%. The most abundant stable isotope of sulfur.Sulfur-33
Natural abundance: About 0.75%. Stable isotope used in isotope and NMR studies.Sulfur-34
Natural abundance: About 4.25%. Stable isotope important in geochemical sulfur cycle studies.Sulfur-36
Natural abundance: About 0.01%. Rare stable isotope of sulfur.H₂SO₄
Sulfuric AcidOne of the most widely produced industrial chemicals, used in fertilizers and manufacturing.SO₂
Sulfur DioxideUsed in sulfite chemistry and connected with air pollution and acid rain.H₂S
Hydrogen SulfideToxic gas with a rotten-egg smell, important in petroleum and environmental chemistry.FeS₂
Iron Disulfide (Pyrite)Fool’s gold mineral and historical source of sulfur compounds.CuSO₄
Copper(II) SulfateUsed in fungicides, electroplating and analytical chemistry.CaSO₄
Calcium SulfateFound in gypsum and used in plaster, cement and construction materials.- Sulfuric acid production for fertilizers and industrial chemistry
- Vulcanization of rubber to improve strength and elasticity
- Fungicides and agricultural chemicals
- Black powder, matches and some pyrotechnic mixtures
- Petroleum refining and sulfur compound production
Sulfur is essential for life. It is found in the amino acids cysteine and methionine, in some vitamins and coenzymes, and in disulfide bonds that help stabilize protein structures.
- Elemental sulfur commonly exists as S₈ ring-shaped molecules.
- Sulfur is often recognized by its bright yellow solid form.
- Sulfur dioxide can dissolve in rainwater and contribute to acid rain chemistry.
- Disulfide bonds help give hair and many proteins their shape and strength.
- Sulfur has atomic number 16 and belongs to group 16, the chalcogens.
- Its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴.
- Sulfur commonly appears in oxidation states such as -2, +4 and +6.
- In the contact process, SO₂ is oxidized to SO₃ before sulfuric acid is produced.
What is the atomic number of sulfur?
The atomic number of sulfur is 16.
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
Sulfur has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴.
Why is sulfur important for life?
Sulfur is found in amino acids, proteins, vitamins, coenzymes and disulfide bonds.
What are the allotropes of sulfur?
Important sulfur allotropes include rhombic sulfur, monoclinic sulfur and plastic sulfur, many based on S₈ ring molecules.
What is the contact process?
The contact process is the industrial route to sulfuric acid, where SO₂ is oxidized to SO₃ before forming H₂SO₄.
What is sulfur used for?
Sulfur is used in sulfuric acid production, fertilizers, rubber vulcanization, fungicides, matches and industrial chemicals.