Sulfur, the engine of the chemical industry [English version]

Sulfur, a yellow metal, abundant on the Mediterranean coast. This metal attracted the attention of the Greeks and Romans in antiquity, where they felt that the smell of sulfur gas emitted by volcanic eruptions was indicative of God's activity beneath the earth.

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Romans and Greeks used sulfur to whiten their clothes. In the Middle Ages, people used sulfur as a medicine because of its ability to soften the stomach. And in the fourteenth century, sulfur was used in gunpowder. So, sulfur has become a very important material in the industry after being an unknown substance.

Chemical properties:

Sulfur is a non-metal chemical element insoluble in water; but it is soluble in ammonia and in CS2 carbon sulphide, chemical symbol is "S" in group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements (Block P).
Under normal conditions, the sulfur is present in the solid state, its density is 2.07 gcm-3, the sulfur is fused at a temperature equal to 115.21 ° C, and boiling at 444.61 ° C.
-Fusion energy = 1.7175 KJ / mol.
-Spraying energy = 45 KJ / mol.
-Electrical conductivity = 0.5 FS / m.
-Thermal conductivity = 0.296 N / m.K.

Sulfur in nature:

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Sulfur exists underground and on the earth's crust combined with other elements such as: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, metals ....

• The most important compounds containing sulfur:
• Iron sulphide (Pyrite) FeS2.
• H2S hydrogen sulfide.
• Oil.
• Sulphides, sulphates.
• Sulfur dioxide SO2.
• The coal.
• Mercury sulphide HgS.
• Zinc sulphide ZnS.
• The chalcopyrite CuFeS2.

Le pyrite, Source: Pixabay
Sulfur is concentrated in volcanic areas, the best known being Iceland, Italy, Melo Island, Russia, Austria, Hungary, southern France, Spain, Iran , India, Palestine, Algeria, Peru, United States of America and New Zealand. The places mentioned have volcanic areas or near them.

• The oxidation of pyrite in nature causes the release of sulfur and its products, they destroy the surrounding rocks and combine with other elements to give the gypsum and other minerals. Sulfur combines quickly with different metals, so it does not remain for a long time at its original state.

Sulfur and industry:

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Without sulfur, the industry would be impossible because it is at the base of the chemical industries, the most important of which are:
-The manufacture of papers, celluloids and most drugs.
-Refinement of oil, ethers and oils.
-The production of phosphate fertilizers, alums (aluminum sulphate), and glasses.
-Manufacture of dynamites, cements, matches.
-Sulfatage.
-Manufacture of rubber.
-Manufacture of dyes.
-plays a role in obtaining the nitric and hydrochloric acids and acetic acid.

• Sulfur for the manufacture of soap:
  
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  Sulfur soap is a form of treatment used to treat acne and skin problems. Where it has multiple benefits because it contains the element of sulfur that is very important for the skin, we mention these benefits, some of which:
  -Cleans the skin of pimples and acne.
  -Eliminates toxins and dirt on the skin.
  -Cleans the skin of fungi and bacteria.
  -Helps to whiten the skin, eliminate fat and give it softness.
  -Helps prevent dryness and roughness of the skin.
  -Contribute to the elimination of brown spots.
  -Contributes to the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.

Despite all its advantages, it is not recommended to put sulfur soap on the eyes, nose, genitals or mouth and not use it permanently because it irritates the skin.

References:
Soufre, Wikipedia
Sulfure de carbone, Wikipedia
Tout savoir sur le soufre
Savon au soufre, quels bienfaits contre l'acne ?
[Livre, La Géochimie récréative, G.Fresman (Chapitre 4, page 127)