Applications of sulfur compounds

Sulfur has many practical applications. As a fungicide, sulfur is used to counteract apple scab in organically farmed apple production. Other crops that utilize sulfur fungicides include grapes, strawberries, and many vegetables. In general, sulfur is effective against mildew diseases and black spot. Sulfur can also be used as an organic insecticide. Sulfites are frequently used to bleach paper and preserve dried fruit.

The vulcanization of rubber includes the use of sulfur as well. Cellophane and rayon are produced with carbon disulfide, a product of sulfur and methane. Sulfur compounds can also be found in detergents, acne treatments, and agrichemicals. Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) has many uses, ranging from bath additives to exfoliants. Sulfur is being increasingly used as a fertilizer as well. Because standard sulfur is hydrophobic, it is covered with a surfactant by bacteria before oxidation can occur. Sulfur is therefore a slow-release fertilizer. Lastly, sulfur functions as a light-generating medium in sulfur lamps. 

Concentrated sulfuric acid was once one of the most produced chemicals in the United States, the majority of the H₂SO₄ that is now produced is used in fertilizer. It is also used in oil refining, production of titanium dioxide, in emergency power supplies and car batteries. The mineral gypsum is calcium sulfate dihydrate is used in making plaster of Paris. Over one million tons of aluminum sulfate is produced each year in the United States by reacting H₂SO₄ and Al₂O₃. This compound is important in water purification. Copper sulfate is used in electroplating. Sulfites are used in the paper making industry because they produce a substance that coats the cellulose in the word and frees the fibers of the wood for treatment.