Sulfur Hexafluoride
Sulfur hexafluoride is an inert gas in which each molecule consists of a single sulfur atom surrounded by six fluorine atoms. In contrast to helium, a gas nearly six times lighter than air, sulfur hexafluoride is almost six times heavier than air.1
Fast Facts
- Abbreviation: SF6
- Alternate name: Sulphur hexafluoride
- An inorganic compound
- An inert gas2
- Non-toxic2
- Non-flammable3
- Potent type of greenhouse gas4
Properties
- Molecular mass: 146.06 g/mol5
- Melting point: −50.8 °C5
- Sublimation point: −63.8 °C5
- Critical temperature: 45.64 °C5
- Critical pressure: 37.19 atm5
- Color: Colorless5
- Odor: Odorless5
- Reactivity: Not reactive2
- Shelf life: 2 years2
Global Warming Potential
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) considers sulfur hexafluoride the most potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. In a 2001 climate change report, the atmospheric lifetime for sulfur hexafluoride is 3,200 years.6
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor for information on sulfur hexafluoride.
Related Pages on Mahalo
Greenhouse Gas | Helium
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