Determination of elemental sulfur in coal by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A method for the determination of S0 in coal based on the extraction with cyclohexane with subsequent quantitative analysis of elemental sulfur in the extract by GC/MS is described. The quantity of elemental sulfur was determined in four coal samples with different distribution of sulfur forms. The effect of solvent and extraction time on the efficiency of sulfur removal was studied. The elemental sulfur extracted from coal occurred in the form of S6, S7 and S8. Calibration solutions were prepared from freshly recrystalized elemental sulfur. It was found that the injection temperature has a crucial influence on the m/z 64 ion chromatogram.