One of the elements present in varying quantities in coal, which contributes to environmental degradation through acid precipitationwhen coal is burned
an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)
It is very reactive but occurs native in deposits, as well as combined in various ores (e.g., pyrite, galena, cinnabar); in coal, petroleum, and natural gas; and in the water in sulfur springs. Sulfur is the third most abundant constituent of minerals and one of the four most important basic chemical commodities. Pure sulfur, a tasteless, odourless, brittle yellow solid, occurs in several crystalline and amorphous allotropes, including brimstone and flowers of sulfur. It combines, with valence 2, 4, or 6, with nearly all other elements. Its most familiar compound is hydrogen sulfide, a poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs. All metals except gold and platinum form sulfides, and many ores are sulfides. The oxides are sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, which when dissolved in water make sulfurous acid and sulfuric acid, respectively. Several sulfur compounds with halogen elements are industrially important. Sodium sulfite (Na2SO3) is a reducing agent used to pulp paper and in photography. Organic compounds with sulfur include several amino acids, the sulfa drugs, and many insecticides, solvents, and substances used in making rubber and rayon. sulfur bacteria sulfur dioxide sulfur butterfly
The most common disinfectant for wine Most winemakers feel that it is nearly impossible to produce stable wine without judicious use of sulfur products at one or more stages of vinification: just after the harvest to thwart fermentation by the wrong yeasts, in the cellar to prevent microbial spoilage and oxidation and at the time of bottling to protect the wine against exposure to air But as a general rule, the amount of sulfur used in the production of fine wine has never been lower than it is today
One of the nine macronutrients Most soils have sufficient supplies of sulfur to insure healthy plants Sulfur is a component of some amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll Pale or yellowish, weak young leaves can be a sign of sulfur deficiency; the deficiency can also lead to stunted growth or delayed ripening Sulfur can be used as a fungicide and as a control for mites and chiggers, but it is also harmful to beneficial insects and microorganisms Use it with care and only as a last resort
Sulfur has been used for centuries in winemaking to disinfect and to preserve wines by preventing oxidation The problem is that young Rieslings often show a significant level of sulfur dioxide gas in the nose, which is not really a pleasant odor These wines are meant for aging and, with time in the bottle, the smell will disappear as the sulfur binds with other compounds in the wine
A common natural constituent of petroleum products While certain sulfur compounds are commonly used to improve the EP, or load-carrying, properties of an oil, high sulfur content in a petroleum product may be undesirable as it can be corrosive and create an environmental hazard when burned For these reasons, sulfur limitations are specified in the quality control of fuels, solvents, etc