Sulfur vs. Sulfide — What's the Difference?

Participates in the global sulfur cycle.

Causes metal corrosion and acid mine drainage.

A yellow chemical element used in various industries.

Compounds containing sulfur with a more electropositive element.

Found in nature, often near volcanic areas.

Varied chemical structures.

Used in vulcanizing rubber.

Important in metal extraction.

Can exist in several allotropes.

Can be toxic, like hydrogen sulfide.

Sulfur (in British English: sulphur) is a chemical element with the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is abundant, multivalent and nonmetallic.

Sulfide (British English also sulphide) is an inorganic anion of sulfur with the chemical formula S2− or a compound containing one or more S2− ions. Solutions of sulfide salts are corrosive.

Symbol S A pale yellow nonmetallic element occurring widely in nature in several free, allotropic and crystal forms and combined in numerous sulfates and sulfides. It is used in black gunpowder, rubber vulcanization, the manufacture of insecticides and pharmaceuticals, and in the preparation of sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid. Atomic number 16; atomic weight 32.066; melting point 115.21°C; boiling point 444.61°C; specific gravity at 20°C (rhombic) 2.07, (monoclinic) 2.00; valence 2, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.

Divalent sulfur, or a compound of divalent sulfur with an electropositive element or group, especially a binary compound of sulfur with a metal.

Any of various butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae of the family Pieridae, having yellow or orange wings often marked with black.

Any compound of sulfur and a metal or other electropositive element or group.

To treat with sulfur or a compound of sulfur.

A compound of sulphur and some other element that is more electropositive

(uncountable) A chemical element (symbol S) with an atomic number of 16.

A yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

Any of various pierid butterflies of the subfamily Coliadinae, especially the sulfur-coloured species.

Of a yellowish green colour, like that of sulfur.

(transitive) To treat with sulfur, or a sulfur compound, especially to preserve or to counter agricultural pests.

An abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

Treat with sulphur in order to preserve;

Sulfide refers to any compound that includes sulfur bonded to a more electropositive element or group.

Sulfur can be found in its elemental form or in minerals, while sulfides are primarily encountered as mineral compounds.

Sulfur is a yellow chemical element known for its various industrial uses, including in fertilizers and sulfuric acid production.

They are essential in the extraction of metals and in the production of sulfuric acid.

Yes, sulfur can be part of sulfide minerals where it is combined with other elements.

Sulfur is used in making sulfuric acid, vulcanizing rubber, and as a fungicide in agriculture.

Sulfur is extracted from underground deposits by the Frasch process or as a byproduct of petroleum refining.

Yes, hydrogen sulfide is a toxic gas with a characteristic rotten egg smell and can be lethal in high concentrations.

Elemental sulfur is relatively non-toxic, but compounds like sulfides, especially hydrogen sulfide, can be hazardous.

Sulfur is a key element in the global sulfur cycle, affecting climate dynamics and biological systems.

Sulfides can contribute to the corrosion of metals, formation of acid mine drainage, and pollution.

Besides being a key ingredient in fertilizers, sulfur is used to control fungal diseases in crops.

The properties of sulfides vary widely depending on the metal they are bonded with, affecting their structure and use.

Sulfur creates cross-links between rubber molecules, improving the rubber's strength and elasticity.

Yes, certain sulfides, like hydrogen sulfide, can be processed to produce sulfur and sulfuric acid.