sulfur*
. . . powder
. . . flowers
. . . solid
|
7-12
1
2
3
4
5
-
PS
|
4.1
Not Hazardous
|
III
|
1350
7704-34-9
|
Harmless if ingested. Powder ignites readily, forming highly toxic sulfur dioxide gas. Mixtures of sulfur with powerful oxidising agents are violently explosive.
Sulfur, powder or solid, can be used by students Years K-12 as an example of a non-metal element, provided it is not burnt. Do not mix with active metals such as sodium, magnesium or aluminium.
Reaction with zinc is violent, but can be carried out in small quantities (<1 g) provided the mixture is not contained in any way and either a safety screen is used or the reaction is performed out of doors. Do not mix with mercury(II) oxide, it may explode.
Reactions with iron and copper are relatively safe to carry out. When heated to the melting point, sulfur usually ignites, forming highly toxic sulfur dioxide, thus sulfur should be heated in a stoppered test tube. The release of sulfur dioxide should be considered when preparing plastic sulfur by pouring liquid sulfur into water.
All reactions involving the heating of sulfur should be carried out in a fume cupboard. The production of small quantities of sulfur dioxide gas can be a high-risk activity for those students susceptible to asthma attacks.
A warning should be given to students before any experiment, which might produce sulfur dioxide.
Keep approximately 2 kg of sulfur available if mercury is used in the school, for treatment of mercury spills.
Disposal: Solid waste of this chemical may be disposed of in the garbage (to landfill).
Q-Stores
33
See Appendix F.
|
