A non-metallic element, symbol S, atomic
number 16, relative atomic mass 32.066. It is
a pale yellow, odourless, brittle solid.
Insoluble in water, but soluble in carbon
disulphide, it is a good electrical
insulator. It is widely used in the
manufacture of sulphuric acid and in
chemicals, explosives, matches, fireworks,
dyes, fungicides, drugs, and in vulcanizing
rubber for tyres. There are two crystalline
forms and an allotropic plastic form. It
resembles oxygen chemically, and can replace
this element to form innumerable organic and
inorganic compounds. It was known in ancient
times.