I.

Introduction

Sulfur, symbol S, tasteless, odorless, light yellow nonmetallic element. Sulfur is in group 16 (or VIa) of the periodic table (see Periodic Law). Its atomic number is 16, and its atomic weight is 32.064.

Also called brimstone, sulfur has been known since prehistoric times and is mentioned in the Bible and classical records. Because of its flammability, alchemists regarded sulfur as essential in combustion (see Alchemy).