Why is sulfur soluble in benzene but not in water?

Sulfur forms symmetrical molecules of 8 atoms which are not polar.

Water consists of polar molecules and generally won't mix with or dissolve

non-polar substances. Benzene is non-polar so it will better dissolve a

non-polar substance, although sulfur isn't very soluble in anything at

ordinary temperatures (20 - 30°C.) Sulfur is slightly soluble in carbon

disulfide, benzene, and carbon tetrachloride, which are all non-polar.