What are the uses of Sulphur and Sulphur Compounds?
There are thousands of uses of sulphur compounds. Sulphur itself is used mainly as a precursor to other chemicals. The vast majority of sulphur is converted to sulphuric acid; one of the three most important strong acids used in chemistry. The elemental form of sulphur does have some niche applications though. It’s one of the oldest fungicides known to man, and is also an important component in gunpowder, helping to control the burning. Sulphur is also added to rubber to make it more durable (vulcanisation). Sulphur compounds are extremely diverse. Salts of sulphuric and sulphurous acid, called sulphates and sulphites, are common laboratory chemicals. Sodium sulphate is used as a drying agent and magnesium sulphate, commonly known as epsom salts, is used as a laxative, bath additive, exfoliant and a magnesium supplement for plants. There are countless other sulphur-containing salts with various applications, including thiosulphates, sulphides and bisulphates. In addition to the salts,
