Chemical Properties
Sulfur pentafluoride is a colorless liquid or gas (above 29°C). Odor like sulfur dioxide. Noncombustible liquid and nonflammable gas.
Chemical Properties
Colorless gas; SO2 odor. Insoluble in water.
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
