Properties | More Info | Isotopes | Allotropes | Spectra
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Atomic: M.A.C. | Reference
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Allotropes of Sulfur
Sulfur (S) is second only to carbon in the number of known allotropes formed. The existence of at least twenty-two sulfur allotropes has been demonstrated.
Sulfur forms an extensive series of generally yellow crystalline allotropes, Sn (where species with n up to 30 have been identified).
Orthorhombic Sulfur [ S8 ]
The most common form, stable at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Eight sulfur atoms bond covalently in crownlike rings.
Cyclohexasulfur or Rhombohedral Sulfur [ S6 ]
Cyclohexasulfur was first reported in 1891. It is the densest of the sulfur allotropes and forms air-sensitive orange-red crystals containing chair-shaped, six-membered rings.
Amorphous Sulfur [ S ]
The result of very rapid cooling of very hot sulfur.
Disulfur [ S2 ]
The simplest allotrope of sulfur, it is a violet colour. It does not occur naturally at room temperature and pressure. It is commonly generated in the vapour generated from sulfur at temperatures above 700°C.
It has been detected by the Hubble Space Telescope in volcanic eruptions on Jupiter's satellite, Io.
See Also
Allotrope.