Väävelühend

Väävelühend is an Estonian term referring to a chemical compound that contains sulfur. Sulfur, a nonmetal element with the symbol S and atomic number 16, is known for its characteristic yellow color in its elemental form. In chemistry, sulfur readily forms bonds with many other elements, including oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and various metals, leading to a diverse range of sulfur compounds.

These compounds play crucial roles in both natural processes and industrial applications. For instance, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a naturally occurring gas often associated with the smell of rotten eggs, produced during the decomposition of organic matter. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is another common sulfur compound, released during the burning of fossil fuels and volcanic activity, and it can contribute to acid rain.

In biological systems, sulfur is an essential component of amino acids like cysteine and methionine, which are vital for protein structure and function. Many enzymes also contain sulfur atoms that are critical for their catalytic activity. Industrially, sulfur compounds are used in the production of sulfuric acid, a fundamental chemical used in fertilizers, refining, and manufacturing. Other sulfur compounds find applications in vulcanizing rubber, as fungicides, and in pharmaceuticals. The study and understanding of väävelühendid are therefore fundamental to many areas of science and technology.