Sunday, May 15, 2016

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

Chemists or those who have studied chemistry will recognize hybrid ORBITALS. Orbitals is where bonding electrons live. The yellow atom in the center of this molecule is sulfur. The other six atoms are fluorine. 

Sulphur can also be spelled sulfur.

It is another extremely stable molecule. It is an inert noncombustable gas. If heated in any cylinder it will explode under simple expansion. If coming in contact with the liquid in cylinders it can cause frostbite. It has no odor.

It is used for medical application in respiratory physiology, eye surgery and ultrasound imaging. 

It is not a natural occurring gas. It is used in industry as well in electrical insulator, in the production of magnesium and the manufacture of semiconductors. It is also used as a filler for cushioning such as tennis balls or the soles of trainers.

Sulphur hexafluoride has a global warming equivalent of 23,000 times that of carbon dioxide.