Sulfur Hexafluoride(SF6) Properties(25 Facts You Should Know)

Sulfur hexafluoride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula SF₆. Let us jump into the discussion of the different physical and chemical properties of SF₆.

SF6 is a synthetic electronegative gas, also known as a greenhouse gas. It is soluble in organic solvents like benzene and toluene and insoluble in water.

With keen observation, let us focus on the molar mass, color, oxidation state, and molar density.

SF₆ IUPAC name

SF₆ chemical formula

Sulfur hexafluoride has the chemical formula SF₆. In this, sulfur is the central atom attached to six fluorine atoms by a single bond.

SF₆ CAS number

Sulfur hexafluoride has the CAS registry number (authentic numeric identifier which can contain upto10 digits)2551-62-4.

SF₆ ChemSpider ID

Sulfur hexafluoride has the ChemSpider ID  16425.

SF₆ chemical classification

• Sulfuric hexafluoride can be chemically classified as an inorganic compound that is inflammable.
• SF₆ acts as an inert cover gas to prevent oxidation during casting in the magnesium factory.
• SF₆ acts as a gaseous dielectric medium.
• Sulfur hexafluoride is used mainly in the semiconductor industry.

SF₆ molar mass

The Mass of 1-mole sulfur hexafluoride is 146.06 g.

SF₆ color

Sulfur hexafluoride is colorless in nature as it does not react with oxygen.

SF₆ viscosity

Sulfur hexafluoride has a viscosity of 26.7centipoise at 20⁰ C.

• Gas: 150.29 micro poise at 25⁰ C.
• liquid: 0.277 centipoise at 25⁰ C.

SF₆ molar density

The Molar density of SF₆ is 6.17 g/L.

SF₆ melting point

The sulfur hexafluoride melting point is -50.5⁰ C.

SF₆ boiling point

The sulfur hexafluoride boiling point is  -63.9⁰ C.

SF₆ state at room temperature

At room temperature, sulfur hexafluoride exists in the gaseous state.

SF₆ covalent bond

Sulfur hexafluoride is a covalent compound. Because the four fluorine atoms are covalently bonded with a central atom in one plane, forming a square, and the other two fluorine atoms form a covalent bond that is axial to the molecule.

SF₆ covalent radius

We cannot determine the covalent radius of sulfur hexafluoride, as it can be calculated only for any single atom.

SF₆ electronic configurations

The arrangement of electrons into the atomic orbitals of an element is called electronic configuration. Let us see the electronic configuration of SF₆.

SF₆ oxidation state

The central atom, sulfur, is in a +6-oxidation state in sulfur hexafluoride. Each of the 6 fluorine atoms is in -1 in sulfur hexafluoride.

SF₆ acidity/alkaline

• SF₆ is a covalent neutral molecule and a very useful compound.
• SF₆ is not a typical acid or a base, nor does it react with sodium hydroxide. So It is inert.

Is SF₆ odorless

Sulfur hexafluoride is odorless in nature.

Is SF₆ paramagnetic

Para magnetic character exhibited by those atoms or molecules having unpaired electrons in its valency shell.Let us discuss whether SF₆ is diamagnetic or paramagnetic.

Sulfur hexafluoride is diamagnetic because it contains paired electrons in the outermost orbital.

SF₆ hydrates

The most potent global warming gas is in the hydrate-based gas separation process.

SF₆ crystal structure

Sulfur hexafluoride possesses a cubic crystal structure with cubic lattice parameters. The space group of the sulfur hexafluoride crystal is octahedral, having dimensions a=b=c= 5.99 Å and α=β=ɣ= 90.00⁰.     

SF₆ polarity and conductivity

• SF₆ is a non-polar molecule because the six fluorine atoms are symmetrical with the central atom sulfur, so the dipole moment of S-F is canceled out, giving a non-polar structure.
• SF₆ conductivity is 0.0136 w/Mk.

SF₆ reaction with acid

Due to the shielding of sulfur by 6 fluorine atoms, sulfur hexafluoride does not undergo any reaction with acids.

SF₆ reaction with base

Sulfur hexafluoride does not react with the base since it is thermodynamically more stable.

SF₆ reaction with oxide

Sulfur hexafluoride reacts with SiO₂ at temperatures above 900 ⁰C forming SiF₄, SO₂F₂, and SOF₂.

SF₆ reaction with metal

Sulfur hexafluoride readily reacts with Al, Zr, Ag, and Pt to form SF₄ and metal fluorides at high temperatures.

• SF₆ reacts with Lithium metal in presence of Ammonia at -60⁰C. 

8 Li + SF₆ = Li₂S + 6 LiF

• Similarly SF₆ reacts with Strontium  in presence of ammonia at -60⁰C.

Conclusion

Sulfur hexafluoride has different uses in various fields. Its liquefication value is lower than other electronegative gas and is kinetically stable.