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SF6

Sulfur Hexaflouride

Colorless, nonflammable, liquefied gas with a mildly aromatic odor.
Shipping Information
D.O.T. Proper Shipping Name:
Sulfur Hexaflouride
I.D. Number:
UN1080
Hazard Class:
2.2
Shipping Labels:
Nonflammable Gas
Technical Information
Molecular weight:
146.05
Specific volume:
2.5ft3/lb
CAS registry:
2551-62-4
SDS ref:
SF6
About

Sulfur hexafluoride is a remarkable inorganic compound that exists as a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas at room temperature, yet it’s perhaps best known for its extraordinary density – at about five times heavier than air, it creates the peculiar effect of making objects appear to float when placed in a container filled with SF6. The molecule’s structure consists of a central sulfur atom surrounded by six fluorine atoms in a perfect octahedral arrangement, which gives it exceptional chemical stability.

This stability, combined with its excellent electrical insulating properties, makes SF6 invaluable in high-voltage electrical equipment where it prevents arcing and electrical discharges. In the medical field, SF6 serves as a contrast agent in eye surgeries and ultrasound imaging, while in physics research, it’s used in particle accelerators and as a tracer gas for studying air movement patterns. However, it’s worth noting that despite its usefulness, SF6 is also a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 23,500 times that of carbon dioxide, which has led to increased efforts to find alternatives in some applications where possible.

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