Sulfur (S)
Reactive nonmetal · p-block · period 3 · group 16
Bright yellow, brittle, odourless solid (the 'rotten egg' smell is its gas compounds).
Sulfur (symbol S) is chemical element number 16, a reactive nonmetal in group 16, period 3 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 32.06 and its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p4. At room temperature it is a solid. Mentioned in the Bible as 'brimstone'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 16 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 32.06 |
| Category | Reactive nonmetal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 16 · 3 |
| Electron configuration | [Ne] 3s2 3p4 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 6 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 388.36 K |
| Boiling point | 717.87 K |
| Density | 2.07 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.58 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity · Known since antiquity |
Key facts about Sulfur
- Mentioned in the Bible as 'brimstone'.
- Found as pure yellow crystals near volcanoes and hot springs.
- Sulfuric acid is the most produced industrial chemical in the world.
- Vulcanising rubber with sulfur turns sticky latex into tough tyres.
What Sulfur is used for
Sulfuric acid, fertilisers, gunpowder, vulcanised rubber, fungicides, pharmaceuticals.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Sulfur is in group 16, period 3, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p4 means its outermost shell holds 6 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Sulfur on the interactive table →
Sulfur — frequently asked questions
What is Sulfur used for?
Sulfuric acid, fertilisers, gunpowder, vulcanised rubber, fungicides, pharmaceuticals.
Is Sulfur radioactive?
No. Sulfur has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Sulfur?
Sulfur has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p4, which is 2, 8, 6 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Sulfur in?
Sulfur is in group 16, period 3, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 6 electrons.
Who discovered Sulfur?
Sulfur has been known since ancient times.