Sulfur is an element that many people recognize in its pure form as a yellow solid. The element exists free in nature and forms many important compounds, such as sulfuric acid, hydrogen sulfide and several vital enzymes. Some well-known odors, including skunk, rotten egg, onion and grapefruit, are due to the presence of sulfur compounds. The element is essential for life, yet many sulfur compounds are toxic.
Properties: Sulfur has a melting point of 112.8°C , boiling point of 444.674°C, specific gravity of 2.07 at 20°C, with a valence of 2, 4, or 6. Sulfur is a pale yellow, brittle, odorless solid. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon disulfide. Multiple allotropes of sulfur are known.
Uses: Sulfur is a component of gunpowder. It is used in the vulcanization of rubber. Sulfur has applications as a fungicide, fumigant, and in the making of fertilizers. It is used to make sulfuric acid. Sulfur is used in the making of several types of paper and as a bleaching agent. Elemental sulfur is used as an electrical insulator.
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