S

Sulfur hexafluoride

IUPAC: hexafluoro-lambda6-sulfane

F6S Inorganic Compounds CAS 2551-62-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationF6S
CAS Number2551-62-4
Molecular Weight146.06
Melting Point-83 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density6.5 g/L (gas); 1.67 (liquid)
Solubility0.003 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceSulfur hexafluoride appears as a colorless odorless gas. Noncombustible. Shipped as a liquefied gas under own vapor pressure. Contact may cause frostbite. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat t...
Also Known Ashexafluoro-lambda6-sulfane; Sulphur hexafluoride; 2551-62-4; Elegas; Lumason; Hexafluorosulfur; Sulfur fluoride (SF6); sulfur(VI) fluoride; Hexafluorure de soufre; hexafluoridosulfur
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Sulfur hexafluoride?

Sulfur hexafluoride is a sulfur coordination entity consisting of six fluorine atoms attached to a central sulfur atom. It is the most potent greenhouse gas currently known, with a global warming potential of 23,900 times that of CO2 over a 100 year period (SF6 has an estimated lifetime in the atmosphere of between 800 and 3,000 years). It has a role as an ultrasound contrast agent and a member of greenhouse gas.

Formula & Notation

F6S

IUPAC Name: hexafluoro-lambda6-sulfane

Other Names / Synonyms: hexafluoro-lambda6-sulfane; Sulphur hexafluoride; 2551-62-4; Elegas; Lumason; Hexafluorosulfur; Sulfur fluoride (SF6); sulfur(VI) fluoride; Hexafluorure de soufre; hexafluoridosulfur

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sulfur hexafluoride appears as a colorless odorless gas. Noncombustible. Shipped as a liquefied gas under own vapor pressure. Contact may cause frostbite. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat t.... Molecular formula: F6S. Molecular weight: 146.06 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: -83 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024). Density: 6.5 g/L (gas); 1.67 (liquid). Solubility: 0.003 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 21.5 atm (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 4.2.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-83 °F (Sublimes) (NIOSH, 2024)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density6.5 g/L (gas); 1.67 (liquid)
Molecular Weight146.06
Solubility0.003 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceSulfur hexafluoride appears as a colorless odorless gas. Noncombustible. Shipped as a liquefied gas under own vapor pressure. Contact may cause frostbite. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat t...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sulfur hexafluoride
Formula F6S
CAS Number 2551-62-4
Molecular Weight 146.06
Synonyms hexafluoro-lambda6-sulfane; Sulphur hexafluoride; 2551-62-4; Elegas; Lumason; Hexafluorosulfur; Sulfur fluoride (SF6); sulfur(VI) fluoride; Hexafluorure de soufre; hexafluoridosulfur

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulfur hexafluoride is a sulfur coordination entity consisting of six fluorine atoms attached to a central sulfur atom. It is the most potent greenhouse gas currently known, with a global warming potential of 23,900 times that of CO2 over a 100 year period (SF6 has an estimated lifetime in the atmosphere of between 800 and 3,000 years). It has a role as an ultrasound contrast agent and a member of greenhouse gas.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.