MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Are there any liquid allotropys?

Date: Thu Feb 10 18:08:08 2000
Posted By: ,
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 949029801.Ch
Message:

Dear Andrea,

Your question about allotropes has been an interesting one to look up for my own information as well. I could only think of one element that presents a liquid allotrope. After some checking, and looking about, I still could find no other example of liquid allotropy other than that of Sulfur.

Several allotropes of Sulfur occur in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states. The liquid in which you are interested in, tends to be composed of 8-membered rings which as the temperature increases, break open to form tangled chains. There are several web references to this behavior, including a neat experiment.

While doing the research, I compared the information in high school chemistry textbooks with those used in a collegiate environment. Most of the college level textbooks described the sulfur allotropy, while only one of the high school books had any mention. You would be well advised to try your public library or a local college for further information.

Web Links:

Good general references http://www.c-f-c.com/gaslink/docs/sulfur.htm http://inst.santafe.cc.fl.us/~jbieber/chem/s_alltrp.html

Experimental Description and Photos http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/JCESoft/CCA/CCA2/MAIN/PLASULF/CD2R1.HTM

If you try this experiment, be careful not to spill any of the liquid sulfur on yourself, as it is similar to molten plastic or wax and will stick to your skin and burn you badly.

Other than that, have some fun!

P.S. It is kind of a stinky experiment, particularly if you let the sulfur catch fire.

Dr. Michael M. Gallagher
Senior Research Chemist
J.R. Simplot Co.


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