A total of 29 transition metals (all except Tc), all as ions M(+), have been reacted with gaseous S-8. The reactivities and reaction products provide a unique set of comparative data on a fundamental reaction of the elements. The results underlie the interpretation of many other processes and compounds in condensed phases. Series of product ions [MS(y)](+) are formed, with y generally starting at 4, and increasing with time through 8 up to 10, 12, 16, or 21 (for La+). A general mechanism is proposed, in which the first {MS(8)}(+) encounter complex is reactive and undergoes S-S bond scission and rearrangement around the metal, such that [MS(8)](+) is not an early product. The early transition metals react faster than later members of the series, and third row metals react about twice as fast as first row metals. The metals which are more chalcophilic in condensed-phase chemistry are apparently less so as M(+); Hg+ does not form observable [HgSy](+) (except for a very low yield of [HgS3](+)) and is remarkably less reactive with sulfur than most of the other metal ions. Simple electron transfer between M(+) and S-8 does not occur except possibly for Ir+, but S-8(+) is sometimes observed and is believed to be formed by electron transfer from S-8 to some [MS(y)](+) complexes. Interpretation of the rates of reaction of the ions of groups 3, 4, and 5 with S-8 is complicated because they react with adventitious water in the cell forming ore-species. The results are discussed in the context of condensed-phase metal polysulfide chemistry.