Sulfur finds broad application in the industry. It is used in production of sulfuric acid, in pulp and paper industry. She helps about agriculture to struggle with diseases of plants. Without sulfur it would be impossible to imagine matches. And whether sulfur has a smell?
General information about sulfur
Sulfur is known to the person for a long time: still ancient people found it in a native look or as a part of sulphurous connections. This substance is mentioned in Homer's compositions and in the Bible. Sulfur was used during the religious practices: people considered that the smell of the burning sulfur is capable to expel forever evil spirits, to ward off disasters and misfortunes.
Subsequently sulfur began to be used in military science. Chinese widely used it as a part of pyrotechnic charges. Sulfur found application and in medicine: it tried to treat skin diseases.
The real nature of sulfur was established for the first time by Lavoisier. He included this substance in the list of nonmetals.
Sulfur is widespread in the nature. It meets in a free state and in the form of various chemical compounds. Main of them – sulfates, sulfides, pentasulphides. A large amount of sulfur contains in sea and ocean waters. There, in particular, are sulfates of calcium, sodium and magnesium much.
Properties are gray
In usual conditions sulfur represents substance of crystal type. If to begin it to melt, sulfur at first will turn into liquid of yellow color, and at a certain temperature will become brown weight.
Sulfur is considered the bad conductor of electricity. It is difficult to dissolve it in water, it is much easier – in carbon sulfur and in some organic solvents. If properly to heat sulfur, it reacts with metals therefore sulfides – sulphurous connections are formed.
In former times people considered that began to smell sulfurs is characteristic of an underworld. By means of this substance tried to expel evil spirit. At serious scientists such religious prejudices raise only a smile today.
In the original state sulfur has no expressed smell. Most often take sharp aroma which proceeds from its derivatives for a smell of sulfur: for example, from hydrogen sulfide. This gas is emitted when rotting albumens. It is dangerous to the person, can cause headaches, other symptoms of poisoning. The hydrogen sulfide smell something reminds a smell of rotten egg.
If to set fire to sulfur, sulphurous anhydride will begin to be emitted. It has the expressed smell – rather strong and very unpleasant.
In natural state sulfur may contain a number of impurity. Being oxidized under the influence of the oxygen which is contained in air, components of structure can give to sulfur a certain smell. Especially quickly there is a process of oxidation of the sulfur crushed in powder.