CHAPTER – 4

p – BLOCK ELEMENTS
 CONTENT
 INTRODUCTION OF p – BLOCK ELEMENTS
 GROUP TRENDS IN p – BLOCK ELEMENTS
 CHEMISTRY OF BORIC ACID
 CHEMISTRY OF BORAX
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
 CHEMISTRY OF NITRIC ACID
 CHEMISTRY OF SULPHURIC ACID
 CHEMISTRY OF HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
 CHEMISTRY OF CHLORINE
 LEAD PIGMENTS
 ALLOTROPY & ALLOTROPIC FORMS OF CARBON
 ALLOTROPIC FORM OF SULPHUR
 INTRODUCTION OF s – BLOCK ELEMENTS
 p – BLOCK ELEMENTS:
• The elements in which p – orbital are being progressively
filled or last electron enter in p – orbital are called p – block
elements.

• The elements of III – A to VIII – A groups are belonging to

p – block elements.
 “p – B L O C K E L E M E N T S”

• There are total 37 elements. Excluding Helium (He) and 7th

period (Nh to Og), there are 30 elements.

• Out of 30 elements, there are 7 metals, 15 are non – metals and

8 are metalloids. (10 metals, 20 non – metals)

• Out of 30 elements, there are 1 liquid, 9 are gases and 20 are

solids.
 CHEMISTRY OF BORIC ACID
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical name = Boron hydroxide
• Chemical formula = B(OH)3 or H3BO3
• Common name = Boric acid or Ortho boric acid

 PREPARATION:
1. From Borax:
o Na2B4O7 + H2SO4 + 5H2O → 4H3BO3 + Na2SO4

2. From Boron Nitride:

o BN + 3H2O → H3BO3 + NH3
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
• Boric acid on heating forms different products, such as:

 At 100 OC
o H3BO3 → H2O + HBO2 (Meta boric acid)

 At 140 OC
o 4HBO2 → H2O + H2B4O7 (Pyro boric acid)

 Above 240 OC
o H2B4O7 → H2O + 2B2O3 (Boron oxide)
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
• It forms soft, silky and white crystals.
• It is greasy to feel.
• It is sparingly soluble in cold water.
• It is readily soluble in hot water.

 USES:
• Its aqueous solution acts as mild antiseptic.
• Its aqueous solution is also used as eye wash.
• It is used in making borate glass.
• It is used in the making of tiles.
 CHEMISTRY OF BORAX
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical name = Sodium tetra borate deca hydrate
• Chemical formula = Na2B4O7 10H2O
• Common name = Borax or Suhaga or Tincal

 PREPARATION:
1. From Boric Acid:
o 4H3BO3 + 2NaOH → Na2B4O7 + 7H2O
o 4H3BO3 + Na2CO3 → Na2B4O7 + 7H2O + CO2

2. From Colemanite:
o 4Ca2B6O11 + 2Na2CO3 → Na2B4O7 + 2CaCO3 + 2NaBO2
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
• Borax soluble in water and forms alkaline solution by hydrolysis
o Na2B4O7 + 7H2O → 4H3BO3 + 2NaOH

 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
• It is white crystalline solid.
• It is soluble in water.

 USES:
• It is used as flux in soldering and welding.
• It is used in making of tiles.
• It is also used in making pottery glazes.
• It is also used in making of optical and hard glass.
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
 ORES OF ALUMINIUM:
1. Silicate ore:
• Kaolin = Al2O3. 2SiO2. 2H2O
• Potash mica = K2O. 3Al2O3. 6SiO2. 2H2O
2. Fluoride ore:
• Cryolite = Na3AlF6
3. Sulphate ore:
• Alunite = K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 4Al(OH)3
4. Oxide ore:
• Bauxite = Al2O3. nH2O
• Gibbisite = Al2O3. 3H2O
• Corundum = Al2O3
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM:
• Aluminium is extracted from Bauxite (Al2O3. nH2O)
• Extraction of aluminium consists of three basic steps:
A. Purification of bauxite into alumina
B. Electrolysis of alumina
C. Refining of Aluminium

A. PURIFICATION OF BAUXITE:
• Bauxite mostly contains oxides of iron (Fe2O3) and oxides of silica
(SiO2) as chief impurities.
• Bauxite may be purified by any one of the following methods:
1. PURIFICATION BY HALL’S METHOD:
• If bauxite contains Fe2O3 and SiO2 as chief impurities.
• This method consists of 3 steps:

 Step – I:
• Al2O3. nH2O + Na2CO3 → 2NaAlO2 + nH2O + CO2

 Step – II:
• 2NaAlO2 + 3H2O + CO2 → 2Al(OH)3 + Na2CO3

 Step – III:
• 2Al(OH)3 → Al2O3 + 3H2O
2. PURIFICATION BY BAEYER’S METHOD:
• If bauxite contains excess of Fe2O3 as chief impurity.
• This method consists of 3 steps:

 Step – I:
• Al2O3. nH2O + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO2 + 2(n)H2O

 Step – II:
• 2NaAlO2 + 3H2O + CO2 → 2Al(OH)3 + Na2CO3

 Step – III:
• 2Al(OH)3 → Al2O3 + 3H2O
3. PURIFICATION BY SERPEK’S METHOD:
• If bauxite contains excess of SiO2 as chief impurity.
• This method consists of 3 steps:

 Step – I:
• Al2O3. nH2O + 3C + N2 → 2AlN + nH2O + 3CO2

 Step – II:
• 2AlN + 3H2O → Al(OH)3 + NH3

 Step – III:
• 2Al(OH)3 → Al2O3 + 3H2O
B. ELECTROLYSIS OF ALUMINA:
 Electrolytic cell:
• The electrolysis of pure alumina is carried out in steel tank lined
with graphite by Hall Beroult process.
• Electrolytic cell consists of:

o Cathode : Graphite lining inside the tank

o Anode : Carbon rods hanging in the molten mass
o Electrolyte : It consists of:

 Pure alumina (Al2O3)

 Cryolite (Na3AlF6) = It lowers M.P of alumina (about 950 OC)
 Fluorspar (CaF2) = It increases the fluidity of melt aluminium
“E L E C T R O L Y T I C C E L L”
 CELL REACTIONS:
 Ionization:
• 2Al2O3 ⇌ 4Al +3 + 6O –2

 At anode:
• 6O –2 → O2 + 12e – (Oxidation)

 At cathode:
• 4Al +3 + 12e – → 4Al (Reduction)

 Overall reaction:
• 4Al +3 + 6O –2 → 4Al + O2
C. REFINING OF ALUMINIUM:
 Electrolytic cell:
• The refining of aluminium is carried out in iron tank lined with
carbon at bottom by Hoop’s Electrolytic process.
• Electrolytic cell contains three layers of fused masses:

 Lower layer :
• Consists of alloy of impure Al with Cu and act as cathode.
 Middle layer:
• Consists of a solution of cryolite (Na3AlF6) and BaF2
 Upper layer :
• Consist of pure Al and act as anod.e
“E L E C T R O L Y T I C C E L L”
 CELL REACTIONS:
• On electrolysis, Al+3 ions from the middle layer migrate to the
upper layer where they are reduced to aluminium.
• Equal numbers of Al+3 ions are produced in the lower layer and
migrate to middle layer.
 Ionization:
Na3AlF6 → 3NaF + AlF3
AlF3 ⇌ Al +3 + 3F –1
 At cathode:
Al +3 + 3e – → Al(Pure) (Reduction)
 At anode:
Al(Impure) → Al +3 + 3e – (Oxidation)
 Overall reaction:
Al(Impure) → Al(Pure)
 AMMONAL:
• Mixture of Al powder and aluminium nitrate [Al(NO3)3]
• Ammonal is used in the making of explosive bombs.

 ALLOYS OF ALUMINIUM:
1. Aluminium Bronze:
• Composition: 10% Al + 90% Cu
• Uses: Making of jewelry, coins, statues etc

2. Dura Lumin:
• Composition: 95% Al + 4% Cu + 0.5% Mg + 0.5% Ni
• Uses: Making of aeroplanes bodies
 CHEMICAL REACTIONS OF ALUMINIUM:

1. Action of air:
• 4Al + 3O2 → 2Al2O3

2. Action of acids:
• 2Al + 6HCl (dil) → 2AlCl3 + 3H2
• 2Al + 3H2SO4 (dil) → Al2(SO4)3 + 3H2
• 2Al + 6H2SO4 (Con) → Al2(SO4)3 + 6H2O + 3SO2

3. Action of alkalis:
• 2Al + 2NaOH + 2H2O → 2NaAlO2 + 3H2
• 2Al + 2KOH + 2H2O → 2KAlO2 + 3H2
4. Action of halogens:
• 2Al + 3Cl2 → 2AlCl3

5. Action of nitrogen:
• 2Al + N2 → 2AlN

6. Action of carbon:
• 4Al + 3C → Al4C3

7. Reducing agent:
• Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3 (Fe+3 → Fe0)
 THERMITE PROCESS:
• The reduction of metal oxides in the presence of aluminium as
a reducing agent is called Thermite Process.
• This is an exothermic reaction
• Huge amount of energy is released so the temperature
increases up to 3500 OC.
• Due to this reason, this process is used for welding purpose.
• Example:
• Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3
 ALUM:
• The series of double sulphates of monovalent and trivalent
metals containing 24 water molecules of crystallization
• The alums are usually the sulphates of sodium, potassium or
ammonium with aluminium, iron or chromium.

• Examples:
• K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O = Potash Alum
• K2SO4. Cr2(SO4)3. 24H2O = Chrome Alum
• Na2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O = Soda Alum
• (NH4)2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O = Ammonium Alum
• (NH4)2SO4. Cr2(SO4)3. 24H2O = Chrome Alum
 POTASH – ALUM:
• Ordinary alum is Potash – Alum which is also called Phitkari

 PREPARATION:
• K2SO4 + Al2(SO4)3 + 24H2O → K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3. 24H2O

 PROPERTIES:
• It is white crystalline solid
• It is readily soluble in water
• It melts at 92 OC and swells up.
• It loses whole water of crystallization at 200 OC.
• At 200 OC it forms porous mass called Burnt Alum or Phul
Phitkari.
 USES:

• It is used in the purification of water.

• It is used for tanning leather and sizing paper.

• It is used in making water proof cloths.

• It is used in the fire extinguishers.

• It is used in dyeing cotton and linen cloths.

 CHEMISTRY OF NITRIC ACID
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical formula = HNO3
• Chemical name = Nitric acid
• Common name = Aqua fortis or Spirit of niter
• Method of preparation = Ostwald’s process
• Principle of preparation = Oxidation of ammonia

 RAW MATERIALS:
• Ammonia gas = NH3
• Oxygen gas (Air) = O2
• Water = H2O
• Platinum as catalyst = Pt
“PREPARATION OF NITRIC ACID”
 STEPS OF PREPARATION:

1. Oxidation of Ammonia:
• Catalyst chamber or Ammonia oxidation converter

• Reversible and exothermic process

• 1 part of ammonia and 8 parts of oxygen by volume

• Temperature is about 600 OC

• Pt gauze serves as catalyst

• 4NH3 + 5O2 ⇌ 4NO + 6H2O ∆H = – 24.8 K.cal/mole

• 95% of ammonia is converted into nitric oxide (NO).

2. Oxidation of Nitric Oxide:
• NO obtains by the oxidation of ammonia is very hot.

• In order to reduce its temperature it is passed through a heat

exchanger.

• Where the temperature of NO is reducing to 150 OC

• NO after cooling is transferred to oxidation chamber, where at

about 50 OC it is oxidized to NO2.

• 2NO + O2 → 2NO2
3. Absorption of Nitrogen Dioxide:
• NO2 is introduced into a special absorption tower.
• NO2 gas passed through tower and water is showered over it.
• By the absorption, nitric acid is obtained.
• 3NO2 + H2O → 2HNO3 + NO

4. Formation of concentrated HNO3:

• Nitric acid formed is very dilute in the beginning.
• It is recycled to absorb more and more NO2 till maximum
saturation (68%) is obtained.
• Further concentration (98%) is obtained by passing vapours of
HNO3 over H2SO4.
“STRUCTURE OF HNO3 IN VAPOUR PHASE”
“STRUCTURE OF HNO3 IN SOLID PHASE”
 AQUA REGIA:
• A mixture, which contains 1 part by volume of concentrated
HNO3 and 3 parts by volume of concentrated of HCl is called
Aqua Regia or Royal Water.

 METALS DISSOLVED IN AQUA REGIA:

• It can dissolve gold and other metals due to liberation of ‘Cl’.

• HNO3 + 3HCl → 2H2O + NOCl + 2Cl

• NOCl → NO + Cl

• Au + 3Cl → AuCl3 (Auric chloride)

• AuCl3 + HCl → H[AuCl4] (Hydro auric chloride)

 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF NITRIC ACID:

1. Acidic properties:
• It is strong acid because it reacts easily with water to form
hydronium ion (H3O+)
HNO3 + H2O → H3O+ + NO3–1
• It also neutralizes the bases and form salts
HNO3 + NaOH → NaNO3 + H2O

2. Nitrating properties:
• It replaces one or more hydrogen atoms of organic compounds
with nitronium ion (NO2–1) and acts as nitrating agent.
CH4 + HNO3 → CH3 – NO2 + H2O
3. Oxidizing properties:
• Concentrated HNO3 is reduced to NO2 (Nitrogen dioxide):
4HNO3 + Cu → Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO2 + 2H2O (Cu0 → Cu+2)

• Dilute HNO3 is reduced to NO (Nitric oxide):

8HNO3 + 3Cu → 3Cu(NO3)2 + 2NO + 4H2O

• Dilute HNO3 with more reactive metal is reduced to N2O (Nitrous oxide):
10HNO3 + 4Mg → 4Mg(NO3)2 + N2O + 5H2O

• Very dilute HNO3 with more reactive metals is reduced to NH4NO3:

10HNO3 + 4Zn → 4Zn(NO3)2 + NH4NO3 + 3H2O

• HNO3 also oxidizes non – metals and it is reduced to NO2:

• 6HNO3 + S → H2SO4 + 6NO2 + 2H2O (S0 → S+6)
• 5HNO3 + P → H3PO4 + 5NO2 + H2O (P0 → P+5)
• 4HNO3 + Si → SiO2 + 4NO2 + 2H2O (Si0 → Si+4)
• 4HNO3 + C → 2H2CO3 + 4NO2 (C0 → C+4)
 CHEMISTRY OF SULPHURIC ACID
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical formula = H2SO4
• Chemical name = Sulphuric acid
• Common name = Oil of vitriol
• Method of preparation = Contact process
• Principle of preparation = Oxidation of SO2

 RAW MATERIALS:
• Iron pyrite = FeS2
• Oxygen gas (Air) = O2
• Water = H2O
• Vanadium penta oxide = V2O5 as catalyst
“PREPARATION OF SULPHURIC ACID”
 STEPS OF PREPARATION:

1. Production of SO2:
• SO2 is prepared by iron pyrite in the presence of dry air.
• This step is carried out in a pyrite burner
• 4FeS2 + 11O2 → 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2

2. Purification of SO2:
• The mixture of SO2 and air should be free form impurities,
which poison the catalyst.
• Hence, the mixture passed through the special chambers. Like:
o Dust Filter Chamber = Remove dust particles by passing steam
o Washing Tower = Wash mixture by water showered over it
o Drying Tower = Dry mixture by H2SO4 showered over it
3. Oxidation of SO2:
• Now, purified mixture is passed through contact tower.
• Where, SO2 is oxidized into SO3
• 2SO2 + O2 ⇌ 2SO3 ∆H = – 45 Kcal / mole
• This reaction is exothermic and proceeds decrease in volume.

• According to Le – Chatlier’s principle, the favourable conditions

for obtaining maximum yield of SO3 are:

o Low temperature = 450 OC to 500 OC

o High pressure = 1.5 atm to 1.7 atm

o Excess amount of O2 = In the form of air

o Use of catalyst = V2O5

4. Production of Oleum:
• Now, SO3 is passed through absorption tower
• Where, SO3 dissolved in concentrated H2SO4 to produce thick
liquid called Oleum or Pyro Sulphuric Acid
• SO2 + H2SO4 → H2S2O7

5. Absorption in Water:
• Now, oleum is passed through absorption tower
• Where, oleum is absorbed in calculated amount of water to
produce sulphuric acid
• H2S2O7 + H2O → 2H2SO4
 “STRUCTURE OF H2SO4”

• The shape of H2SO4 molecule is tetrahedral

• The bond angle is 109.5O
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SULPHURIC ACID:

1. Acidic properties:
• It is strong acid because it reacts easily with water to form
hydronium ion (H3O+)
• H2SO4 + H2O → H3O+ + HSO4–1
• HSO4–1 + H2O → H3O+ + SO4–2

• It also neutralizes the bases and forms two series of salts

• H2SO4 + NaOH → NaHSO4 + H2O
• H2SO4 + NaHSO4 → Na2SO4 + H2O
2. Dehydrating properties:
• Sulphuric acid extracts water molecules from other compounds
and acts as dehydrating agent
• H2SO4 + C12H22O11 → 12C + 11H2O + H2SO4
• H2SO4 + (COOH)2 → CO + CO2 + H2O + H2SO4
• H2SO4 + HCOOH → CO + H2O + H2SO4

3. Sulphonating properties:
• It replaces one or more hydrogen atoms of organic compounds
with sulphonium ion (SO3H+1) and acts as sulphonating agent.
• CH4 + H2SO4 → CH3 - SO3H + H2O
4. Oxidizing properties:
• Concentrated H2SO4 with less reactive metals:
• 2H2SO4 + Cu → CuSO4 + SO2 + 2H2O (Cu0 → Cu+2)

• Concentrated H2SO4 with more reactive metals:

• 5H2SO4 + 4Zn → 4ZnSO4 + H2S + 4H2O

• Dilute H2SO4 with more reactive metals:

• H2SO4 + Zn → ZnSO4 + H2

• H2SO4 also oxidizes non – metals:

• 2H2SO4 + C → 2SO2 + 2H2O + CO2
• 2H2SO4 + S → 3SO2 + 2H2O
 CHEMISTRY OF HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical name = Hydrogen sulphide
• Chemical formula = H2S
• Common name = Sewer gas or Stink damp

 PREPARATION:
A. INDUSTRIAL METHODS:

1. From Sulphur:
• S + H2 → H2S
2. From Stibnite:
• Sb2S3 + 6HCl → 3H2S + 2SbCl3
3. From Zinc Sulphide:
• ZnS + 2HCl → H2S + ZnCl2

B. LABORATORY METHODS:

1. From Ferrous Sulphide:

• It is prepared by Kipp’s apparatus.
• FeS + 2HCl → H2S + FeCl2
• FeS + H2SO4 → H2S + FeSO4
 “STRUCTURE OF H2SO4”

• The shape of H2S molecule is Angular or Bent

• The bond angle between H – S – H is 92.2O
• The bond distance between S – H is 1.34 AO
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

1. Acidic properties:
• H2S + H2O → H3O+ + HS –1

2. Reducing properties:
• H2S + Br2 → 2HBr + S (Br0 → Br–1)
• H2S + 2FeCl3 → 2FeCl2 + 2HCl + S (Fe+3 → Fe+2)

3. Reaction with air:

• 2H2S + 3O2 → 2H2O + 2SO2
 CHEMISTRY OF CHLORINE
 INTRODUCTION:
• Chemical name = Chlorine
• Chemical formula = Cl2
• Method of preparation = Nelson’s cell process
• Electrolytic cell = Nelson’s cell
• Principle of preparation = Electrolysis of NaCl
“NELSON’S CELL”
 CELL REACTIONS:
1. Ionization:
2NaCl ⇌ 2Na+1 + 2Cl–1
2. At Cathode:
2Na+1 + 2e– → 2Na (Reduction)
3. At Anode:
2Cl–1 → Cl2 + 2e– (Oxidation)
4. Overall Reaction:
• Reaction of cathode = 2Na+1 + 2e– → 2Na (Reduction)
• Reaction of anode = 2Cl–1 → Cl2 + 2e– (Oxidation)
2Na+1 + 2Cl–1 → 2Na + Cl2
 CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CHLORINE:

1. Oxidizing properties:
• Cl2 + Zn → ZnCl2 (Zn0 → Zn+2)
• Cl2 + Cu → CuCl2 (Cu0 → Cu+2)

2. Addition reactions:
• Cl2 + SO2 → SO2Cl2 (Sulfonyl chloride)
• Cl2 + CO → COCl2 (Phosgene)
• Cl2 + CH2 = CH2 → Cl – CH2 – CH2 – Cl
3. Substitution reactions:
• Cl2 + H2S → 2HCl + S
• Cl2 + 2KI → KCl + I2
• Cl2 + CH4 → CH3 – Cl + HCl

4. Auto oxidation and reduction reactions:

• Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HOCl
 AUTO OXIDATION & REDUCTION REACTION:
• Chlorine reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid and
hypochlorous acid

• Cl2 + H2O → HCl + HOCl

• (Cl2)O + H2O → H+1Cl–1 + H+1O–2Cl+1

• Chlorine reacts with water to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), in this

way it reduced from ClO to Cl –1

• Chlorine reacts with water and form hypochlorous acid (HOCl),

in this way it oxidized from ClO to Cl +1
 LEAD PIGMENTS
 PIGMENTS:
• The water and oil insoluble natural and synthetic products
that impart color to materials such as paper and plastics are
called Pigments.

 LEAD PIGMENTS:
• The chemical compounds of lead which are used to give the
proper colour to paints are called Lead Pigments
 TYPES OF LEAD PIGMENTS:

1. WHITE LEAD PIGMENT:

 Composition:
• 2PbCO3. Pb(OH)2 or Pb3(OH)2 (CO3)2

 Preparation:
• 2PbO2 + Pb(CH3COO)2 + 2H2O + 2CO2 →
[2PbCO3. Pb(OH)2] + 2CH3COOH + O2

 Use:
• It is used as white pigment for paints
2. RED LEAD PIGMENT:
 Composition:
• Pb3O4 or 2PbO PbO2
• Also called triplumbic tetraoxide or lead sesqui oxide or sandhur

 Preparation:
• It is prepared by heating lead monoxide (litharge or murda sang)
with excess of air at about 450 OC.
• 6PbO + O2 → 2Pb3O4

 Use:
• It is used as red colour pigment in paints
• It is used in match industry and in labs
• It is also used in glass industry for colouring the glasses.
3. CHROME YELLOW PIGMENT:
 Composition:
• PbCrO4

 Preparation:
• Pb(NO3)2 + K2CrO4 → PbCrO4 + 2KNO3
• Pb(CH3COO)2 + K2CrO4 → 2PbCrO4 + 2CH3COOK

 Use:
• It treated with sodium gives red pigments
• It is yellow colour pigment and used in paints
4. CHROME RED PIGMENT:
 Composition:
• Pb2CrO5 or PbCrO4 PbO2

 Preparation:
• 2PbCrO4 + 2NaOH → Pb2CrO5 + Na2CrO4 + H2O

 Properties and Uses:

• It is dark red pigment and is used in paints.
5. TURNER’S YELLOW PIGMENT:
 Composition:
• PbCl2. 4PbO

 Preparation:
• 5PbO + 2NaCl + H2O → 2NaOH + PbCl2. 4PbO

 Use:
• It is yellow in colour and used in paints.
 ALLOTROPIC FORMS OF CARBON
 ALLOTROPES & ALLOTROPY:
• The elements which exist in two or more forms and differ
only in their physical properties are called Allotropes and the
phenomenon is called Allotropy.

 ALLOTROPIC FORMS OF CARBON:

A. Amorphous forms of carbon:
1. Coal 2. Coke 3. Charcoal 4. Lamp black

B. Crystalline forms of carbon:

1. Diamond 2. Graphite
 DIAMOND GRAPHITE

It is the hardest known

It is soft and greasy to fell.
substance

In pure state, it is crystalline,

It is dark grey crystalline solid
colourless transparent solid

Its density is 3.51 gm / cm3 Its density is 2.2 gm / cm3

It is bad conductor of heat It is good conductor of heat

and electricity and electricity

Its melting point is 3500 OC Its melting point is 3000 OC

Its reflective index is 2.45 Its reflective index is 2.7
 ALLOTROPIC FORMS OF SULPHUR
 ALLOTROPIC FORMS OF SULPHUR:

A. Crystalline forms of sulphur:

1. Rhombic sulphur:
• It is also called Octahedral Sulphur or  – Sulphur
• It is stable crystalline allotropic form of sulphur at ordinary
temperature
 Preparation:
• It is prepared by slow evaporation of solution of ordinary
sulphur in carbon sulphide (CS2).
 Properties:

• It is pale yellow in colour

• Its M.P is 112.8 OC

• Its density is 2.1 gm / cm3

• It is insoluble in water

• It is soluble in carbon disulphide (CS2).

• It is non – conductor of heat and electricity.

2. Monoclinic sulphur:
• It is also called Prismatic Sulphur or  – Sulphur

 Preparation:
• When molten rhombic sulphur is cooled, then dark yellow
needle like crystal of monoclinic sulphur is obtained.

 Properties:
• It is dark yellow in colour
• It is transparent needle like crystal
• Its M.P is 119.25 OC
• Its density is 1.98 gm / cm3
• It is stable between 95.5 OC to 119.25 OC
• It is insoluble in water
• It is soluble in carbon disulphide (CS2)
B. Plastic sulphur:
• It is also called  – Sulphur.

 Preparation:
• When molten sulphur is heated up to boiling and poured with a
thin stream into cold water.
• It turns into elastic rubber like material called Plastic Sulphur.

 Properties:
• It is soft, sticky and rubber likes material
• It is pale yellow in colour
• Its M.P is 113 OC
• It boils at 444 OC
• It is insoluble in water
• It is soluble in carbon disulphide (CS2)
 Structure:
• It is composed of long chains of sulphur atoms which coiled up.
• The elasticity of plastic sulphur is due to uncoiling of long
sulphur chains and then recoiling of chains by the release of
tension.