Sulfur and Sulfur Molecules S₂ and S₈

**Symbol:** S **Atomic number:** 16 **International name:** Sulfur **General formula:** S₂ and S₈ **Relative Atomic Weight:** 32.06 **Description:** Sulfur is a yellow, crystalline solid that is flammable and insoluble in water. In its solid state, sulfur exists in two allotropic forms: orthorhombic and monoclinic, both of which are composed of cyclic S₈. Sulfur can also exist in amorphous forms such as plastic sulfur and sulfur flowers. Plastic sulfur is formed after melting and rapid cooling, and sulfur flowers are formed by the rapid condensation of sulfur vapor. Sulfur vapors initially consist of octatomic and hexatomic molecules, which break down into tetratomic and diatomic molecules at higher temperatures. Sulfur is classified as a non-metal element. **Applications:** Sulfur has widespread applications in the chemical industry, particularly in the production of sulfuric acid and in the vulcanization of rubber. It is also a key component in fungicides. **Occurrence:** Sulfur is abundant in nature, both in its free elemental form and in various compounds, such as sulfides and sulfates. It can be found as a free element in volcanic gases, often alongside hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Some of the most important minerals containing sulfur are sphalerite (ZnS), pyrite (FeS₂), galena (PbS), cinnabar (HgS), chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). As a sulfate, it is found in gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O). Sulfur is also a biogenic element, playing a vital role in proteins and other biological molecules.