16
S
Sulfur
32.06
Sulfur (S)
NonmetalGroup 16Period 3p-block-block
Sulfur or sulphur (see spelling differences) is a chemical element with symbol S and atomic number 16. It is an abundant, multivalent non-metal. Under normal conditions, sulfur atoms form cyclic octatomic molecules with chemical formula S8.
Latin name: Sulfur
Atomic Number
16
Atomic Mass
32.06 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Solid
Electron Config.
[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
General
SymbolS
Atomic Number16
Atomic Mass32.06 g/mol
CategoryNonmetal
Group16
Period3
Blockp-block
Electron Configuration[Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
Valence Electrons6
ColourLemon yellow
Appearancelemon yellow sintered microcrystals
CAS NumberCAS7704-34-9
Physical Properties
Phase (STP)Solid
Density2.067 g/cm³
Melting Point115.21°C · 239.38°F · 388.36 K
Boiling Point444.60°C · 832.28°F · 717.75 K
Atomic Properties
Atomic Radius88 pm
Covalent Radius105 pm
Van der Waals Radius180 pm
Electronegativity2.58 Pauling
Ionization Energy1000 kJ/mol
Electron Affinity200 kJ/mol
Oxidation States-2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Ion ChargeS²⁻/S⁶⁺
Thermodynamic
Molar Heat22.75 J/(mol·K)
Electromagnetic
Electrical TypeInsulator
Crystal Structure
Crystal StructureOrthorhombic
Mechanical Properties
Mohs Hardness2
Abundance
In Universe0.0500%
In Sun0.0400%
In Earth's Crust0.2600%
In Oceans0.0910%
In Humans0.2400%
In Meteorites6.4000%
Discovery & History
Discovery Year-2000
Discovered ByKnown since antiquity
Isotopes of Sulfur
| Isotope | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-32 | 94.99% | Stable | — |
| S-33 | 0.75% | Stable | — |
| S-34 | 4.25% | Stable | — |
| S-36 | 0.01% | Stable | — |