Does sulfur cause rust?

Question

I'm doing a chemistry project on rust and I remember learning about sulfur dioxide in acid rain relating to rust. If there is a connection between the two, can someone please explain it?

Answer 1

Favorite Answer

Sulfur does not cause rust.

However, SO2 in water creates sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid solution (acid rain) on iron will etch the iron into solution; then the oxygen in the solution (or in the air) will combine with the iron to create iron oxide (aka rust).

Answer 2

erm. If it's already rusty then let the goddamn thing rust. Otherwise sand it down and clear coat it.

Answer 3

Go to

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust#The_oxidation_of...

hope that helps x