Sulfur

This book, scientific and technical in nature, is written in a clear and concise style by the author who aims at presenting scholarly contents to be understood by those who do not have a strong background in chemistry and the text will be enjoyed until the last page by anyone. The book has seven chapters each devoted to either method of production or set of applications as they intertwined during different stages of industrial and technological developments. The first chapter is a brief introduction which provides an overview of physical properties of sulfur, its natural sources, and its ancient markets. It is followed by "Sulfur Age", also known as the Industrial Age, during which the dominant market for sulfur and sulfuric acid emerged such as Leblanc industry and phosphate fertilizers. Sicily was the first global supplier of sulfur. Sulfur demand soared, becoming the first global commodity industry. Large sulfur deposits were discovered in Texas and Louisiana. Hidden under the quagmire, the elusive deposits remained beyond the technology of the day. A new inventive process was discovered by Herman Frasch. His technology created the great sulfur companies of the world, and America became the largest producer (and user) of sulfur - the position it holds today. Herman Frasch is less known but of a similar stature as Edison. His patented inventions gave edge to American industry which went from 100% import to become the largest producer and exporter in less than one decade. Sulfur is a common contaminant of oil and natural gas. It must be removed from these materials before they can be used as energy sources. It is the basis of the most modern industry. Recovery of sulfur from oil sands is the further extension of the present process and its future is discussed. The sulfur industry is an excellent "case study" of entrepreneurship and relationship with investors. This book reveals characteristics of entrepreneurs and inventors and approaches required to formulate goals. Most importantly, it shows how to succeed in new ventures. Rockefeller might have become a failed entrepreneur if Frasch had not have rescued him from his "bad investment". Frasch turned certain failure into success through his technological expertise and determination. Frasch's major expertise was in the oil industry and specifically in removal of sulfur from oil. The interested audience of this book goes far beyond the boundaries of sulfur applications and oil industry and as such it should be found in every technical, university, and public libraries.