How is sulfur used in life today?

3 Comments

1. Indiana Frenchman says:

   November 18, 2009 at 2:14 pm

   Sulfur is a component of black gunpowder, and is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber and a fungicide. It is also used extensively in making phosphatic fertilizers. A tremendous tonnage is used to produce sulfuric acid, the most important manufactured chemical.
   It is used to make sulfite paper and other papers, to fumigate fumigant, and to bleach dried fruits. The element is a good insulator.

   Sulfur is essential to life. It is a minor constituent of fats, body fluids, and skeletal minerals.

   lots more on sulfur at web page
2. Curiosity says:

   November 18, 2009 at 2:14 pm

   Sulfur is used on match heads
   To make gunpowder
   To help in vulcanizing rubber
   As a fungicide
   As an insecticide
   In the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers
   Used as a medication to treat certain skin diseases

   The principal use of sulfur, however, is in the preparation of its compounds. The most important sulfur compound is sulfuric acid. Other important compounds include sulfur dioxide, used as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and refrigerant; sodium bisulfite, used in paper manufacture; carbon disulfide, an important organic solvent; hydrogen sulfide, sulfur trioxide, and thionyl chloride, used as reagents in chemistry; Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate), used as a laxative, bath additive, exfoliant, and magnesium supplement in plant nutrition; the numerous other sulfate compounds; and sulfa drugs.
3. jeff R says:

   November 18, 2009 at 2:14 pm

   Your body needs a certain amount of sulfur. Onions contain sulfur. Also sulfuric acid is used regularly for cleaning purposes in many factories.