Sulfur (S): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Sulfur (S): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ne] 3s2 3p4 · group 16 · period 3 · Ar 32.065
Sulfur data
- Atomic number
- 16
- Relative atomic mass
- 32.065
- Group
- 16
- Period
- 3
- Block
- p
- Category
- Nonmetal
- Electron configuration
- [Ne] 3s2 3p4
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 6 (K L M)
- Valence electrons
- 6
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.58
- First ionisation energy
- 10.36 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 180 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 115 °C
- Boiling point
- 445 °C
- Density
- 2.067 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +6, +4, −2
- Discovered
- ancient times
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 6
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About sulfur
With atomic number 16, sulfur (S) has 16 protons in its nucleus and 16 electrons as a neutral atom. It is a nonmetal in group 16, period 3, p-block. Sulfur has been known and used since ancient times. Sulfur is a solid at room temperature, melting at 115 °C and boiling at 445 °C.
Sulfur electron configuration
The electron configuration of sulfur is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4, or in short [Ne] 3s2 3p4. Its electrons occupy 3 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 6. Sulfur has 6 valence electrons in the M shell (3s2 3p4), which is why it sits in group 16. In ionic compounds sulfur gains electrons to fill its outer shell: S2− = [Ar] (like argon).
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p4(16)
Uses of sulfur
In industry and the laboratory, sulfur turns up in many places, for example sulfuric acid, one of the most produced industrial chemicals, rubber vulcanisation, fertilisers, fungicides and skin treatments. For research and analysis you can browse sulfate compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Solid sulfur is fairly safe, but its dust is flammable and burning it gives irritating SO2 gas. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 16
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of sulfur?
The electron configuration of sulfur (S, atomic number 16) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4, or [Ne] 3s2 3p4 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 6.
How many valence electrons does sulfur have?
Sulfur has 6 valence electrons.
Which group and period is sulfur in?
Sulfur is in group 16, period 3, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of sulfur?
The relative atomic mass of sulfur is 32.065. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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