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
The IUPAC NAME (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) is sulfur hexafluoride.
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.
- In SF6 Sulfur atom electronic configuration in its ground state and excited state is [Ne] 3S2 3P4 & [Ne] 3S1 3P3 3d2.
- In SF6 Fluorine atom electronic configuration is 1S2 2S2 2P5.
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.
4Sr + SF6 = SrS + 3SrF2
Conclusion
Sulfur hexafluoride has different uses in various fields. Its liquefication value is lower than other electronegative gas and is kinetically stable.
Hi…I am Surya Satya Eluri. I have done my M.Sc in Organic Chemistry. I am very enthusiastic about the high-energy chemistry field. I love to write complicated chemistry concepts in understandable and simple words.
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