Substance profile
Sulfur
Sulfur is yellow orthorhombic crystals and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Sulfur is
Sulfur is yellow orthorhombic crystals and is odorless. Its molecular formula is S and its molecular weight is 32.07 g/mol. It boils at 445 °C, melts at 95.3 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Sulfur
- sulphur
- brimstone
- Sulfur, Dry
- Sulfur, Molten
- Sulphur, Molten
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P302, P313, P332, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Sulfur properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 444.61 °C (832.3 °F) | HSDB | |
| 445 °C (833 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 95.3 °C (203.5 °F) | Sulfur rhombic transforms to monoclinic | HSDB |
| 106.8 °C (224.2 °F) | gamma-Sulfur | HSDB | |
| 120 °C (248 °F) | amorphous | ICSC | |
| Density | 2.07 g/cm³ | rhombic | HSDB |
| 2.06 g/cm³ | HSDB | ||
| 1.96 g/cm³ | HSDB | ||
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol, benzene, ethyl ether; soluble in carbon disulfide | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.00000395 mmHg | at 30.4 °C | HSDB |
| Flash point | 207.22 °C (405 °F) | HSDB | |
| 160 °C (320 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 232.22 °C (450 °F) | HSDB | |
| 232 °C (449.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 35 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Lower flammable limit for sulfur dust in air is 35 mg/L ... . | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | Density of vapor/density of air, 470 °C: 7.837 | at 470 °C | HSDB |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 1040 °C (1904 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Source notes
Further notes on Sulfur
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Corrosivity
Sulfur is not considered corrosive to the usual construction materials. However, acid-generating impurities, which may be introduced in handling and storage, create corrosive conditions.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Sulfur
Storage conditions
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from chlorates, nitrates, other oxidizing materials, and hydrocarbons.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Sulfur in the storage compatibility matrix →
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