Sulfur as an Element (Definitions, chemical properties etc.

Definition of Sulfur
- Chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16 and can be found on the
Chalcogen Family or the Group 16 elements
- It is the tenth most common element by mass in the universe, and the fifth most common
on Earth.
- It can occur on its pure form but usually it can be found as sulfide or sulfate minerals.
- The sulfur cycle was the first biogeochemical cycle to be discovered.

Chemical Properties of Sulfur

- Naturally occurring bright yellow, crystalline, nonmetallic element but can also be
extracted from minerals
- Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecule with a chemical
formula S​8​.
- It is considered one of the essential elements in all living organisms but it is usually
found in the form of organosulfur compounds or metal sulfides. In fact, 3 amino acids
(cysteine, cystine, and methionine) and two vitamins (biotin and thiamine) contains sulfur
and considered as organosulfur compounds.
- Disulfides, or S-S bonds, confer mechanical strength and insolubility of the protein
keratin found in our outer skin and hair and it is one of the core chemical elements
needed for biochemical functioning.

Trivias about Sulfur

- Sulfur compounds have a very strong smell and it contradicts its odorless properties
when it is in its pure state. For example, the compound hydrogen sulfide or H​2​S smells
like rotten egg and it is a toxic and deadly gas.
- The element, brimstone, primarily comes from volcanoes. In fact, most of its form only
occurs only in compounds and its pure form can be usually found in areas near
volcanoes.
- Sulfur has many uses. It's a component of gunpowder and is believed to have been used
in the ancient flamethrower weapon called ​Greek Fire​. It's a key component of sulfuric
acid, which is used in labs and in making other chemicals. It's found in the antibiotic
penicillin and is used for fumigation against diseases and pests. Sulfur is a component of
fertilizers and also pharmaceuticals.

Sources of Sulfur
-Mined from pure sulfur deposits found in oil-producing regions
- Found in pure form near volcanoes and hot springs.
-Common constituent of crude oil.
- Found in a number of naturally occurring compounds called sulfides and sulfates.
Sulfur Cycle

Hydrogen sulfide gas released into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions, hot springs, and the
anaerobic decay of sulfur-containing biological material in swamps, bogs, and tidal flats.
Certain marine algae produce dimethyl sulfide, a volatile compound that enters the
atmosphere as tiny droplets.
Sulfur dioxide gas is released into the atmosphere by volcanoes and also forms when dimethyl
sulfide reacts with oxygen gas.
The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere
Sulfur dioxide reacts with atmospheric oxygen to produce sulfur trioxide (SO3)
Some sulfur trioxide reacts with tiny water droplets to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Sulfur oxides also react with ammonia to produce tiny particles of ammonium salts
The winds carry deposition of sulfuric acid and particles of sulfate salts, which then fall to the
earth in acid deposition
By adding sulfur compounds to the air, the use of fossil fuels increase the rate of acid
deposition
All living things require sulfur to make proteins
Animals get sulfur by eating plants, and all living things release sulfur compounds when they
decay
Decomposition releases sulfate salts, which can be taken up by plants, as well as gaseous
hydrogen sulfide.
Some hydrogen sulfide enters the atmosphere
But when decay occurs in an oxygen-free environment, anaerobic bacteria break down
hydrogen sulfide and release sulfur gas (H2)
Oxygen requiring bacteria can incorporate sulfur into sulfate salts, which can be taken up by
plants and enter the food chain once again.

Importance of Sulfur
● Essential in industrial processes
● Sulfur dioxide is used as a bleaching agent
● Can be used in preservation to kill molds and bacteria
● A component of penicillin-class antibiotics
● Medication for dandruff and can be used to treat acne
● Important for plant processes
● help develop and activate enzymes and vitamins

Impacts/ Effects of Sulfur

Impacts on the Atmosphere

- Sulfur oxides combine with other chemicals, producing tiny particles of sulfate salts
➢ Serves as regulator of global climate
➢ Causes acid rain

Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems

➢ Excessive amounts lower soil pH, making it unavailable for plant uptake
➢ Essential nutrient for plants
Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems
➢ High amounts of sulfur can kill aquatic life due to increased acidity of water
➢ Supports marine life as a biological energy source for sulfur oxidizing bacteria in deep
sea thermal vents
➢ Some sulfur in the ocean depths combine with iron to form iron sulfides or pyrites
Impacts on Humans and Society
➢ Sulfur as a pollutant in the atmosphere causes respiratory illnesses
➢ Acid rain causes chemical weathering of buildings