Sulfur

About Sulfur

Sulfur is an abundant, naturally-occurring inorganic element that exists in multiple allotropes. S₈ is the predominant form in crystalline sulfur, which also contains trace amounts of other variants. Naturally-occurring sulfur can undergo sublimation to produce a bright yellow powder known as “flowers of sulfur,” which has distinct properties and applications.

This yellow crystalline substance has been valued throughout history, particularly for its fungicidal and antimicrobial properties. The ancient Egyptians used sulfur to bleach fabrics, the Greeks and Romans used it as a topical pharmaceutical for skin conditions, and the Chinese used it to make explosives. It is also considered to be one of the earliest fungicides. Today, it maintains its usefulness in the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, and is further used in modern industries. For example, sulfur can be used for waste water treatment and synthesis of functional polymers.

Originally, volcanic deposits in Sicily were the primary source of natural sulfur. Today, most of the global supply of sulfur is produced via oxidation of toxic hydrogen sulfide from refining operations. Sulfur itself is environmentally benign and non-toxic to humans.

Major uses and applications

The following areas are the most prevalent applications for sulfur.

• Agricultural Industry: Elemental sulfur is considered the world’s oldest fungicide. It is still used as an organic and non-toxic fungicide, pesticide, and fertilizer.
• Polymer synthesis: Sulfur can be used to create materials with useful electrochemical, optical, and self-healing properties.
• Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals: Sulfur has long been renowned for its medicinal properties, and may be used to externally to treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

Common Uses and Applications

• Fertilizer
• Organic fungicide and pesticide
• Polymer synthesis
• Waste water treatment
• Topical skin treatment
• Petroleum refining
• Pulp and paper processing

Industries

• Agriculture industry
• Cosmetics industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Polymer industry