Sulphur Residue: Burning Pure Sulphur

  • Thread starter JGM_14
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In summary, when burning pure sulphur, the solid residue left behind is likely impurities, such as talc or clay, depending on the form of the sulphur. To test the purity, weigh the sulfur before and after burning and calculate the difference. The residue weight should be greater than 0.9998 for it to be on spec. Sulfur in the form of powder may not have anticaking agents, leading to chunky packaging and difficulty in extraction.
  • #1
JGM_14
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When you burn pure sulphur, what is the solid residue left behind?
I Know that sulphur dioxide is the gas that is left behind.
 
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  • #2
If it is pure sulfur you are burning and complete combustion takes place you get entirely sulfur dioxide gas (with some trace amounts of sulfur trioxide). There is probably some impurity that is causing the solid residue.
 
  • #3
The sulphur is suppose to be 99.98% pure but you can never be too sure, how do you test this?
 
  • #4
The cool thing about sulphur when you melt it is that it looks like blood.
 
  • #5
You test the purity of sulfur in a variety of ways, including burning it to see if there is any residue.

Weigh the sulfur before you burn it and the residue. Then calculate 1 - (residue weight)/(initial wt.). The difference should be greater than 0.9998 if it is on spec.


The most likely impurity will depend on the nature of the sulfur. Was the sulfur in the form of large crystals or "flowers" or was it a free-flowing powder? Sometimes powders have anticaking agents added to them like talc to keep them freely flowing. Is the sulfur used to dust plants? If so, the impurity might be talc or clay. If the sulfur was originally in the form of large flakes, it could be anything... even a dirty crucible.
 
  • #6
It came in the form of powder that probibly did not have an anticaking agent in it because it was kinda chunky in the package and difficult to get out.
 

1. What is sulphur residue?

Sulphur residue is the byproduct that remains after pure sulphur has been burned. It is a yellowish substance that may appear as a powder or solid material.

2. How is pure sulphur burned?

Pure sulphur can be burned by heating it to its melting point of 115°C, which causes it to ignite and produce a blue flame. It can also be burned by mixing it with an oxidizing agent, such as potassium nitrate, and igniting the mixture.

3. What is the purpose of burning pure sulphur?

Burning pure sulphur is often done as a method of purification, as it can help remove impurities from certain substances. It is also used in various industrial processes, such as producing sulfuric acid.

4. Is sulphur residue hazardous?

Sulphur residue is not considered hazardous, as it is a non-toxic substance. However, it may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system if inhaled or touched in large quantities. It is important to handle and dispose of it properly.

5. How can sulphur residue be disposed of?

Sulphur residue can be disposed of by mixing it with water to create a slurry and then pouring it down the drain. It can also be safely disposed of in a landfill. However, it is important to check with local regulations for proper disposal methods.

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