Das gelbe Element und seine erstaunliche Vielseitigkeit

Elemental sulfur ‐ both in the solid, liquid, and gaseous state ‐ shows highly unusual physical and chemical properties not matched by any other element. The reason for this unique behavior is the formation of molecules of different size ‐from S2 to S6, S7, and S8 up to macromolecules („S,”︁) ‐ every size is possible. Which mixture is obtained depends on the temperature and other reaction conditions. These findings are important for the understanding of elemental sulfur produced industrially in huge quantities, certain astonishing observations made with bacteria that oxidize sulfur, the Stretford process for sulfur production, and the sulfur covering Ios surface.