Periodic table / Sulfur

Overview

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.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Sulfur is [Ne] 3s2 3p4, with electron shells of 2, 8, 6.

Physical and chemical properties

Sulfur is classified as a nonmetal. It has an atomic mass of 32.06 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as lemon yellow sintered microcrystals.

Real-world uses of Sulfur

Sulfur plays an important role in chemistry and biology, and is used in industrial processes, manufacturing, or as a key component of compounds essential to life.

Interesting facts about Sulfur

• Sulfur has the atomic number 16 and chemical symbol S.
• It belongs to period 3, group 16 of the periodic table.
• Sulfur was known to humans since Ancient china.

Explore Sulfur interactively

Want to compare Sulfur with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on S to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.