Sulfur is so widely used in industrial processes that its
consumption often is regarded as a reliable indicator of industrial
activity and the state of the national economy. Approximately
six-sevenths of all the sulfur produced is converted into sulfuric
acid, for which the largest single use is in the manufacture of
fertilizers (phosphates and ammonium sulfate). Other important uses
include the production of pigments, detergents, fibres, petroleum
products, sheet metal, explosives, and storage batteries; hundreds
of other applications are known. Sulfur not converted to sulfuric
acid is used in making paper, insecticides, fungicides, dyestuffs,
and numerous other ...
