How to Dissolve Sulfur

Sulfur is an element found naturally on the Earth that has no taste or smell and a light yellow appearance. Dissolving sulfur is a difficult process. Unlike with most elements, water cannot be used as a solvent for sulfur . Instead, chemists turn to a clear, colorless liquid known as xylene. The xylene reacts with the sulfur and breaks it down over a period of just a few minutes; this process can be sped up if heat is applied. There are a few conditions that must be met to ensure that the sulfur dissolves in a timely and safe manner, however.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Painter's mask
• Fume cupboard
• Flask capable of holding 250 cubic centimeters or 250 millimeters
• Hotplate

Instructions

1. Put on gloves and painter's mask to prevent incidental skin contact, burns or inhalation of the chemicals involved.

2. Add the sulfur and xylene to the flask at a ratio of 1 gram of sulfur per every 10 cubic centimeters of xylene or 1 gram per every 10 milliliters of xylene depending on the standard of measurement used. Measure the weight of the sulfur with the scale, and use the measuring cup to assess the proper amount of xylene needed.

3. Place the hotplate inside the fume cupboard, and position the flask on top of the hotplate.

4. Heat the hotplate to 50 degrees Celsius or 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait several minutes for the sulfur to dissolve.

References

• The Royal Society of Chemistry: Sulphur
• CLP Chemicals: Xylene