C12

Sulphur

A yellow non-metallic element found in group VI, which is brittle, non-conducting, solid, and has a low melting point of 115°C. It does not dissolve in water but can dissolve in carbon disulphide and methylbenzene (toluene). It has allotropes, including rhombic sulphur and monoclinic sulphur.

Uses of Sulphur

Sulphur is used to vulcanize rubber, manufacture matches, fireworks, fungicides, act as a sterilizing agent, and in medicine. Its most important use is for the production of sulphuric acid.

Sulphuric Acid

The process by which sulphuric acid is produced is called the contact process. It involves the reaction of sulphur dioxide with oxygen to produce sulphur trioxide. The clean gases are heated and passed over a vanadium oxide catalyst. The resulting sulphur trioxide can be dissolved in concentrated sulphuric acid to create oleum, which is then added to water to produce sulphuric acid.

Uses of Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric acid is used in steel manufacture, plastics, metal salts, fertilizers, chemicals, paint and pigments, detergents, and artificial fibers.