Chemical Properties
A gas. Decomposes
in water. Noncombustible.
Chemical Properties
Sulfur tetrafluoride is a colorless gas with an odor like sulfur dioxide. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.
Uses
Selective fluorinating agent.
General Description
SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-60-0) is a colorless gas with a distinct sulfur odor. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-60-0) is highly toxic by inhalation and a strong irritant to skin, eyes and mucous membranes. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-60-0) reacts vigorously with water and acids to yield toxic fluoride and sulfur oxide fumes and an acidic solution. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-60-0) is heavier than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may violently rupture or rocket. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-60-0) is used as a fluoridizing agent and as an oil repellent.
Hazard
High by inhalation, strong irritant to eyes,
mucous membranes, and upper respiratory tract irritant.
Lung damage.
Reactivity Profile
SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE is a highly toxic and corrosive gas. On contact with water, steam, or mineral acids SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE decomposes and produces toxic and highly irritating fumes. When heated to decomposition SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE emits very toxic fluoride and sulfur oxides fumes [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1197]. Explosively violent reactions with 2-(hydroxymethyl)furan or 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol even below-50° C have been recorded [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p. 1432]. Ignition or explosion may occur on contact with dioxygen difluoride even below-100° C [Streng, A. G., Chem. Rev., 1963, 63, p. 615].
Air & Water Reactions
Violent reaction with water. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE reacts vigorously with water and acids to yield toxic fluoride and sulfur oxide fumes and an acidic solution.
Health Hazard
This material is highly toxic by inhalation; it is a strong irritant to eyes and mucous membranes. Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with liquid may cause frostbite.
Potential Exposure
Sulfur tetrafluoride is used as a selective fluorinating agent in making water-repellent and oil
repellent materials and lubricity improvers. It is also used as a pesticide intermediate.
Fire Hazard
Container may explode in heat of fire. When heated to decomposition, SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE emits very toxic fumes of fluorides and sulfur oxides. Reacts violently with water. SULFUR TETRAFLUORIDE is decomposed by concentrated sulfuric acid. Thermostable to 1112F.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy. If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.
Shipping
UN2418 Sulfur tetrafluoride, Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels: 2.3-Poisonous gas, 8-Corrosive material, Inhalation Hazard Zone A. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner. Forbidden to be transported by any aircraft or by rail tank car.
Incompatibilities
Keep away from moisture, concentrated sulfuric acid, dioxygen difluoride. Reacts vigorously with water, alcohols and acids releasing toxic fluoride, sulfur oxide fumes and forming a corrosive acid solution. Readily hydrolyzed by moisture, forming hydrofluoric acid, thionyl fluoride. Attacks glass, ceramic, concrete
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. Refillabletype cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.
Definition
ChEBI: Sulfur tetrafluoride is a sulfur coordination entity.
