Question

Sulphur is soluble in which of the below solvent?
A. Carbon disulphide
B. Bromine
C. Heavy water
D. Distilled water

Answer 1

Hint: The solubility of any element or compound is described by the like dissolve like rule. According to this rule, substances are soluble in only those solvent which have the same polarity as of substances.

Complete step by step answer: Sulphur is difficult to dissolve and is not even dissolvable in universal solvent i.e. water. Here, we are saying water as a universal solvent because it has a maximum value of dielectric constant which is approximately equal to 80. Due to its non-polar nature, it dissolves only those solvent which have non-polar nature like carbon disulphide. The most effective solvent for dissolving sulphur is carbon disulphide, but it can also be dissolved in benzene and toluene.
Hence the correct answer is option (A).
The process of dissolving sulphur into carbon disulphide is simple but extreme care must be exercised when carbon disulphide is used as the process is extremely hazardous, flammable and chemically toxic

Additional Information: Sulphur exists in several allotropic forms,such as:
- Rhombic or Orthorhombic sulphur (α sulphur)
- Monoclinic sulphur (β sulphur)
- Cyclo-$S_6$ form
- Plastic sulphur (x-sulphur)
- Unstable small molecules
Rhombic form is most stable and insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulphide. Monoclinic sulphur is also soluble in carbon disulphide but not soluble in water. But the plastic sulphur is neither soluble in water nor in carbon disulphide.

Note:
The solubility of sulphur in carbon disulphide increases logarithmically with rise in temperature. Also, the solubility of sulphur in liquid gases and solvent is not well known. It is often larger than expected value.