Sulfur

Sulfur is a non-metal element, found in Group 16 (the oxygen family, or the chalcogens) of the periodic table.
It possesses a yellow crystalline form in its solid state and has a distinctive smell.
Sulfur readily reacts with most elements, but it is insoluble in water.

The Sulfur Cycle

Sulfur, like carbon and nitrogen, has a biogeochemical cycle – the sulfur cycle.
This cycle outlines the movement of sulfur through the atmosphere, lithosphere (Earth’s crust and upper mantle), and biosphere (the parts of the Earth inhabited by living organisms).
The main steps include mineralisation, oxidation, reduction, and immobilisation.

Sulfur is used in the production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a vital chemical in world’s economy and is used in fertilisers, detergents, and batteries.
It is also used to vulcanise rubber, a process that makes rubber more durable and heat resistant.
Sulfur is a part of many medicinal products and can be used as a mild antiseptic.

Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which combines with water to form sulfurous acid, contributing to the problem of acid rain.
Apart from causing harm to buildings and monuments, acid rain can severely damage terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, leading to the death of many organisms.
Strategies to limit sulfur pollution include the use of flue gas desulfurization systems and restrictions on the sulfur content of fuels.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs. It’s produced during the decay of organic material, amongst other processes.
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a potent greenhouse gas that’s used in the electrical industry due to its excellent insulation properties.
Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), as earlier mentioned, is one of the world’s most important industrial chemicals.