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He

Helium

Colorless, odorless, nonflammable inert gas.
Shipping Information
D.O.T. Proper Shipping Name:
Helium, compressed
I.D. Number:
UN1046
Hazard Class:
2.2
Shipping Labels:
Nonflammable Gas
Technical Information
Molecular weight:
4.0026
Specific volume:
96.6ft3/lb
CAS registry:
7740-59-7
SDS ref:
Helium
About

Helium (He) stands as the second lightest and second most abundant element in the universe, though ironically, it’s a non-renewable resource on Earth. This noble gas exemplifies atomic simplicity with just two protons and two electrons, creating an incredibly stable electronic configuration that makes helium virtually chemically inert – it almost never forms bonds with other elements. At normal conditions, it exists as a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas with the lowest boiling point of any known substance, remaining liquid even at temperatures approaching absolute zero, which makes it invaluable for achieving ultra-low temperatures in scientific research and MRI machines. Its small size and absolute chemical inertness allow helium to readily escape Earth’s atmosphere, meaning our planet’s supply comes primarily from radioactive decay of heavy elements trapped in underground natural gas deposits.

Beyond its crucial role in cryogenics, helium’s unique properties make it essential for applications ranging from arc welding (where it provides an inert shield around the weld) to deep-sea diving (where its low solubility in blood helps prevent decompression sickness).

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