DISULPHUR DECAFLUORIDE

Chemical properties

Colorless gas; SO2 odor. Insoluble in water.

Chemical properties

Sulfur pentafluoride is a colorless liquid or gas (above 29°C). Odor like sulfur dioxide. Noncombustible liquid and nonflammable gas.

General Description

Colorless volatile liquid or gas with an odor like sulfur dioxide. Mp: -92°C; bp: 29°C. Density: 2.08 g cm-3. Insoluble in water. Very toxic by inhalation.

Reactivity Profile

DISULPHUR DECAFLUORIDE is non-combustible. Decomposes when heated above 400°C in air to generate toxic and corrosive fumes of sulfur oxides and sulfur fluorides. Shows little chemical reactivity at room conditions. Acts as a strong oxidizing agent and as a fluorinating agent at elevated temperature as DISULPHUR DECAFLUORIDE begins to break down. Reacts rapidly with molten caustics such as NaOH or KOH.

Health Hazard

Sulfur pentafluoride is a severe pulmonary irritant in animals; severe exposure is expected to cause the same effect in humans.

Safety Profile

Poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by inhalation. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Fand SOx. See also FLUORIDES and SULFIDES.

Potential Exposure

Sulfur pentafluoride is encountered as a by-product in the manufacture of sulfur hexafluoride, which is made by the direct fluorination of sulfur or sulfur dioxide.

Source

Production by-product of synthesis of sulfur hexafluoride.

Shipping

UN3287 Toxic liquids, inorganic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Violent reaction with many compounds, including reducing agents; chemically active metals; combustible materials, strong acids, alkaline earth sulfides, aluminum carbides, aluminum, amines, calcium sulfide, carbides, chlorine trifluoride, glycerin, hydrides, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydroxylamine, magnesium, metal powders, metal sulfides, molybdenum, phenylhydrazine, phosphorous red/friction, phosphorous trichloride, silicon, sulfides, sulfur, sulfur dioxide, sulfur/friction, sulfuric acid, tungsten, hydrogen trisulfide. Fluorides form explosive and toxic gases on contact with strong acids and acid fumes. Reacts with strong caustics. Decomposed in temperatures above 400C forming toxic and corrosive fumes of sulfur oxides and sulfur fluorides; as this chemical decomposes, it acts as both a strong oxidizer and a fluorinating agent.

Waste Disposal

Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillable-type cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place