This element is produced by temperature-abundant massive stars that generate functions between a helium core and a silicon core, giving rise to a process called supernova nucleosynthesis.
Sulfur occurs natively in volcanic areas and in reduced forms creating sulfosalts and sulfides, it is also found in oxidized forms like the well-known sulfates. This chemical element is necessary and is part of the amino acids methionine and cysteine. It is necessary to carry out the protein synthesis of every living organism. It is mainly used as a fertilizer and to create laxatives, gunpowder, insecticides and matches.
Its color is bright yellow, orange or brownish. It takes on a blue color when it burns and releases sulfur dioxide. It is insoluble in water, but can dissolve in benzene and carbon disulfide. It is characterized by its multivalence. Its common oxidation states are +2, -2, +6, and +4.
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What is sulfur used for?
Sodium ammonium or thiosulfate is used in the photographic industry for fixation because it allows silver bromide to dissolve. On the other hand, magnesium sulfate is used both as an exfoliant, lactant and nutritional supplement for plants.
Sulfur is used in the wine industry as an antiseptic, one of its main and most famous uses being sulfur dioxide. This element also plays an important role in phosphate fertilizers and as a fungicide.
Health Benefits of Sulfur
The utilities and functions of sulfur are strongly linked to the health benefits it offers to the human body. In addition to allowing the regulation of the nervous system, sulfur is responsible for maintaining oxygen in the brain with the help of vitamins belonging to group B.
Among the health benefits of sulfur, the following are listed below:
- In general, sulfur helps transport and balance all minerals in the body.
- It helps the liver to function better because it collaborates in good bile secretion. It allows an adequate purification of the organism in a natural way.
- The usefulness of sulfur is necessary to carry out the synthesis of collagen and keratin. For this reason, it is understood that this element acts actively in treatments for hair, skin and nails.
- It promotes the proper functioning of insulin in the body and helps control glucose levels.
- Minimizes pain caused by rheumatic diseases.
- It positively increases carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- It helps digestive function because it is part of the synthesis of glutathione.
Sulfur in Cosmetology
Sulfur is present in the elements that make up cosmetic products as well as in food. The use of sulfur applications in the cosmetological world is extremely important, due to the excellent benefits it brings to the skin and health of human beings. This element allows the care of healthy hair, skin and nails because it has the following properties.
Among the most important uses of sulfur in this area we can highlight:
- Collaborates in the elimination of toxins accumulated in the skin.
- Helps in collagen and keratin formation to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- Fights fungi and bacteria.
- Relieves skin allergies and eczema.
- Strengthens and promotes the growth of hair and nails.
- Aids in skin pigmentation for evenness.
- Minimize acne.
Its electron configuration
To find out how many quantum numbers exist in the final sulfur electron, we make the diagonal diagram until we reach 16 electrons. The complete Electron configuration of this element is therefore: S= 1s22s22p63s23p4
To make the simplified version of sulfur’s Electron configuration, the noble gas before this element and its final atomic layers are taken. In the periodic table, the noble gas preceding sulfur is neon.
In both electron configurations, the first three orbitals are the same, then the three orbitals for sulfur are changed to the neon symbol and are placed in the middle of the parentheses, giving rise to the remaining two orbitals for sulfur. The result is the following: [Ne] 3s2 3p4
