S
Sulfur
Atomic number: 16Mass: 32.06 uCategory: Nonmetal
About Sulfur
Sulfur is a bright yellow, odourless, brittle solid at room temperature. It is an abundant, multivalent nonmetal and has been known since ancient times. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs.
Properties
Period
3
Group
16
Block
P
Category
Nonmetal
Electronegativity
2.58 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
999.6 kJ/mol
Melting Point
388 K (115°C)
Boiling Point
718 K (445°C)
Density
2.07 g/cm³
Oxidation States
-2, +2, +4, +6
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:6e⁻
Real-World Uses
Sulfuric acid production
Rubber vulcanization
Fungicides
Gunpowder
Pharmaceuticals
Fun Fact
Sulfur smells terrible, but without it, your hair would have no strength — sulfur bonds hold your hair's keratin together!