Periodic Table
16
S
32.06
Sulfur
NonmetalForms S₈ rings; catenation; key in H₂SO₄ (king of chemicals).
Electronic Configuration
[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴or1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
Electron shells
2e⁻n=1
8e⁻n=2
6e⁻n=3
Properties
Atomic number
16
Atomic mass
32.06 u
Category
Nonmetal
Block / Group / Period
p · 16 · 3
Valence electrons
6
Oxidation states
-2, +4, +6
Electronegativity
2.58
Atomic radius
88 pm
Ionization energy
1000 kJ/mol
Electron affinity
200 kJ/mol
Melting point
388 K / 115 °C
Boiling point
718 K / 445 °C
Density
2.07 g/cm³
State at 25 °C
solid
JEE / NEET notes
- Rhombic (α) and monoclinic (β) allotropes; S₈ crown ring.
- H₂SO₄ — 'king of chemicals'; Contact process (V₂O₅).
- SO₂ bleaches by reduction (temporary); decolourises KMnO₄.
Ores & extraction
Ores: Native sulfur, Galena (PbS), Gypsum, Iron pyrites
Uses
H₂SO₄ manufacture · Vulcanisation of rubber · Gunpowder · Fungicides
Important compounds
H₂SO₄SO₂SO₃H₂S
Personal Notes
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