Sulfur

SULFUR, Sulfur, chemical element of Group VI of the Mendeleev system, symbol S, atomic number 16, atomic weight 32.07. Known since ancient times. In nature, it occurs in deposits of aqueous (neptunic) and volcanic origin. It is also found in combined state in the form of iron pyrite, FeS₂, stibnite, Sb₂S₃, sphalerite, ZnS, and others. Until the beginning of the 20th century, S. was obtained from Sicily. At present, the main mass is mined in North America (Texas, Louisiana). In the USSR, it is mined in Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Karakum and Ashkhabad) and the Tatar Republic (Suykeevskoye deposit); found in Dagestan and Georgia. In addition, there are many sulfur springs, deposits of S. compounds (ores) and others. S. is characterized by polymorphism and allotropy. 4 of its modifications have been studied. Chemically, S. resembles oxygen and halogens, and combines with almost all elements. In medicine, Sulfur sublimatum - sulfur flowers (Ph VII), obtained by sublimation, is used. A yellow powder, almost odorless and tasteless, crackling when rubbed between fingers; insoluble in water, alcohol, ether, and chloroform; when heated with fatty and some essential oils or with solutions of caustic alkalis, as well as with milk of lime, it passes into solution in the form of corresponding compounds. For internal use, the pharmacopoeia allows only the washed preparation - Sulfur sublimatum lotum (Ph VII), obtained after washing with ammonia and water and not containing arsenic (a common impurity in ordinary sulfur). Often used is S., obtained by precipitation from polysulfur compounds in the so-called sulfur milk, Lac sulfuris, Sulfur precipitatum (Ph VII), a fine, amorphous, pale yellow powder, odorless and tasteless. When precipitated in the presence of colloids (proteins, gums, etc.), colloidal S. is obtained. S. is physiologically little active, but in the form of hydrogen sulfide and sulfides it acts very energetically. When taken internally, it is mostly excreted unchanged by the intestines, but some part (10-40%) forms sulfides that irritate the large intestines, whereby peristalsis is increased and the laxative effect of S. occurs. When excreted by the lungs, sulfides give the breath a characteristic odor; this method of excretion is associated with the use of S. as an expectorant. To a greater extent, S. is excreted by the kidneys in the form of sulfates, double sulfates, and other organic compounds. This explains the action of S. in chronic poisonings with heavy metals, aromatic compounds, etc. When applied to the skin, S. also acts in the form of sulfides that destroy animal parasites, soften and dissolve the horny layer of the epidermis. S. is part of sulfur ointment, complex sulfur ointment, and Wilkinson's ointment (see), used in scabies. As a laxative, it is now rarely used by itself (1-5 g), most often as part of a complex licorice powder (see Licorice). Recently, S. has been proposed by Schroder for intramuscular injections in the treatment of progressive paralysis by increasing temperature. The degree of dispersion of S. is of great importance, and therefore precipitated S. or colloidal preparations of S. act more strongly. A. Bir attributes to S., given internally in the form of Sulfur jodatum in homeopathic doses D3 or D6, the ability to cure furunculosis, acne rosacea, pustular rash, etc. Sulfur has great importance in disinsection (see). For the role of sulfur and its compounds in sulfur baths - see Matsesty springs, Pyatigorsk. The number of preparations in which various compounds of S. are included is extremely large. Elementary S. is also part of numerous ointments, pastilles, tinctures, cosmetic creams and lotions, liquids for waving or dyeing hair, medical soaps, etc. - Preparations of S.: sulfolan, a yellowish ointment, prepared on a colloid mill from 5% S., 10% zinc oxide and 85% aqueous lanolin. It acts much more energetically than ointment prepared by the usual method; used in scabies, furunculosis, in some types of dermatoses and eczema. Produced at the Semashko plant. A similar preparation abroad is released under the name catamine. - For the same purpose, mitigal, dimethyldiphenylenedisulfide, a thick yellow oil containing 25% S, is proposed. Ufrogel, a sterile suspension of finely dispersed S. in gelatin, is used for nonspecific therapy by irritation, especially in joint rheumatism, as well as in bronchial asthma and skin diseases in doses of 0.2-0.5. Sulfosin, sterilized 1% suspension of S. in olive oil in ampoules of 1.5 and 10 cm³. Used intramuscularly in progressive paralysis and other syphilitic diseases of the central nervous system and in schizophrenia. Causes an increase in temperature to 40-41°, occurring after 8-14 hours. It is necessary to start with a small dose (from 1.5 cm³) and gradually increase. - Sulfidal, colloidal S., a yellowish powder that gives a milky liquid with water. Used as S. in a 10% solution, in 10-20% ointments, etc. - Potassium sulfide (sulfur liver - due to external resemblance to liver) was previously widely used for medicinal baths at 30, 100 and 200 g per bath. - Calcium sulfide and barium sulfide are part of preparations for hair removal (depilatories). Fleminkx's liquid - a product of boiling S. (2 parts) with lime (1 part CaO) and water (20 parts), used for washing against scabies mites. See also Ichthyol, Sulfuric acid and Sulfur compounds.