Sulfur Hexafluoride

log Kow = 1.68

1.68

6.5 g/L (gas); 1.67 (liquid)

Inert to nucleophilic attack; does not attack glass; one of heaviest known gases; density approx 5 times that of air; no fluorine exchange with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride; unchanged at 500 °C. .. thermodynamically unstable, but kinetically stable gas ... stable to silent electrical discharge

Specific volume: 2.5 cu ft/lb at 21.1 °C. Freezing point = -64 °C (sublimes); density, gas = 6.5 g/L; density, liquid = 1.67 g/L

Critical density: 0.736 kg/cu dm.

Triple point = -49.596 °C; density = 5.970 g/L

Relative density (water = 1): 1.9

0.003 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)

In water, 31 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water at 25 °C at partial pressure of 101.325 kPa = 5.4 cu cm/kg water.

SOLUBLE IN POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE AND ALCOHOL

0.297 mL dissolves in 1.0 mL transformer oil at 25 °C, 1 atm

For more Solubility (Complete) data for SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Breast Feeding; Lactation; Milk, Human; Contrast Media; Diagnostic Agents; Fluorides; Gases

EMA approved medicines: Human medicine

Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024)

-63.8 °C (sublimes)

Sulfur hexafluoride is an unreactive substance. Sulfur hexafluoride is not attacked by water, acids, or bases, at room temperature. It is resistant to the action of carbon, copper or magnesium at red heat, and will not react with sodium below its boiling point. It reacts with sulfur vapor or hydrogen at 400 °C.

sublimes

Sublimes

Warning

H280 (100%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P261, P271, P304+P340, P319, P403+P233, P405, P410+P403, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 239 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Not Classified

Warning

Chemical: Sulfur fluoride (SF6)

Sulfur fluoride (SF6), (OC-6-11)- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Sulfur fluoride (SF6), (OC-6-11)- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 11-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13559

Sulphur hexafluoride: Non hazardous

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

· Some may burn but none ignite readily.

Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

· Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.

. . . it seems unlikely that a gas as inert as sulfur hexafluoride would exert any toxic effect in concentrations as low as 1000 ppm. The chief hazard, as with other inert gases, would seem to be asphyxiation as a result of the displacement of air by this heavy gas. [ACGIH] Possible frostbite from contact with liquid; [NIOSH]

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of sulfur hexafluoride stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic by all routes (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact), exposure to this colorless, odorless gas may occur from its production, storage, transportation, or use as a gaseous insulating medium for a wide range of high voltage electrical and electronic equipment. Effects from exposure may include dizziness, headache, frostbite, and asphyxiation. OSHA has established an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit of 1000 ppm. In activities and situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. If contact should occur, irrigate eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, and wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated clothing should be removed and left at the worksite for cleaning. While sulfur hexafluoride does not ignite easily, it may burn with the production of poisonous gases. Also, cylinders may explode in the heat of a fire. For fires involving sulfur hexafluoride, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, Halon, standard foam, or water spray or fog. If water is used, apply from as far a distance as possible, and stay away from ends of tanks. Sulfur hexafluoride may be shipped via air, rail, road, and water, in containers bearing the label, "Nonflammable gas." Before implementing land disposal of sulfur hexafluoride waste, consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance.

1080 126

1080 126

This substance undergoes chemical reactions only under relatively severe circumstances. They are resistant to ignition, although they may become flammable at very high temperatures. They may be resistant to oxidation reduction, except in the most severe conditions. These materials may be nontoxic. They can asphyxiate. Contact of very cold liquefied gas with water may result in vigorous or violent boiling of the product and extremely rapid vaporization due to the large temperature differences involved. If the water is hot, there is the possibility that a liquid "superheat" explosion may occur. Pressures may build to dangerous levels if liquid gas contacts water in a closed container [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980].

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Sulfur hexafluoride:

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

5000.0 [ppm]

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

If material involved if fire: Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty). Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

In anesthetized cats ventilated with oxygen, 0.5 mL of the inert gas sulfur hexafluoride was substituted for vitreous. When the ventilating gas was changed to nitrous oxide 66%, balance oxygen, intraocular pressure incr from 14.4 to 30.3 mm Hg in 19.5 min. When the ventilating gas was changed back to oxygen, intraocular pressure decr from 29.1 to 12.0 mm Hg in 18.1 min. Nitrous oxide should be avoided in patients during and following intravitreal injection of sodium hexafluoride for up to 10 days.

To determine retinal toxicity after intravitreous balanced salt solution, sulfur hexafluoride gas, and perfluorocarbon liquid injection in rabbit eyes ... 22 eyes of 16 New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into groups: balanced salt solution (7 eyes); sulfur hexafluoride gas (4 eyes); and perfluorocarbon liquid (5 eyes). After the introduction of a needle through the sclera the vitreous was aspirated (0.3 mL), balanced salt solution, sulfur hexafluoride gas 100% and perfluorocarbon liquid (0.3 mL) were injected into rabbit vitreous cavity. The control group (6 eyes) was not submitted to any procedure. After three weeks the vitreous was aspirated and submitted to biochemical analysis and the eyes prepared for histological analysis. ... The eyes submitted to perfluorocarbon liquid and sulfur hexafluoride gas injection showed a greater L-glutamate increase in the vitreous compared to balanced salt solution and control groups (p<0.05). Histological results confirmed small changes in the sulfur hexafluoride group and important lesions in perfluorocarbon liquid group, such as external photoreceptor segment disruption, external and internal plexiform layer thinning, ganglionar and internal nuclear layer decrease of nucleus number, edema, and presence of macrophages in the superficial layers. No major histological changes were observed with balanced salt solution and in control groups. /The authors concluded that/ intravitreous injection of sulfur hexafluoride gas and perfluorocarbon are potentially toxic to rabbit retina, compared to control and balanced salt solution groups.

... Gross and histopathologic examinations of rats exposed for 6 hrs to a recirculated mixture of sulfur-hexafluoride in oxygen showed no evidence of effects attributable to the exposures. When adult males inhaled a mixture of sulfur-hexafluoride and oxygen, some effects were impairment of speech, sense of pervasion of the upper respiratory tract, and slight to marked vertigo. The possibility of the presence of small amounts of other fluorine compounds which are highly toxic caused suspension of studies on humans.

... Modern vitreoretinal techniques often use /long acting inert gases, such as sulfur hexafluoride or perfluoropropane / as intraocular ... tamponading agents. These gases may persist in the eye for up to three months after surgery. During this period further anesthesia using nitrous oxide will cause the intraocular gas bubble to expand, which can result in sight threatening increases in intraocular pressure.

For more Interactions (Complete) data for SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 29(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.68(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that sulfur hexafluoride is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Experimental data suggest that sulfur hexafluoride does not absorb to soil(4). Volatilization of sulfur hexafluoride from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an experimental Henry's Law constant of 4.52 atm-cu m/mole(5). Sulfur hexafluoride is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 1.78X10+4 mm Hg(6). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2015).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 29(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.68(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that sulfur hexafluoride is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(4) based upon the experimental Henry's Law constant of 4.52 atm-cu m/mole(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3.5 hours and 4.8 days, respectively(SRC). However, study results indicate that the amount of sulfur hexafluoride volatilized may be much less than would be predicted from the Henry's Law constant(5). In these cases, equilibrium was not attained and the rate of volatilization was determined by mass-transport across the air-water interface(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 6(SRC), from an estimated log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). While hydrolysis is energetically favorable, the fluorine groups effectively shield the sulfur atom and impede this reaction(7). Because sulfur hexafluoride is inert over a wide range of environmental conditions, it has great potential as a geothermal tracer(8). An important aspect of sulfur hexafluoride is its extremely low aqueous solubility; this gives it the potential to delineate unsaturated zones underground(8). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2015).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), sulfur hexafluoride, which has a vapor pressure of 1.78X10+4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Sulfur hexafluoride is one of the heaviest known gases with a vapor density approximately five times that of air(3). Therefore, if released in the atmosphere, it will tend to remain close to the ground and be transported to earth by wet deposition(SRC). Long-term observations of sulfur hexafluoride in the atmosphere have revealed that the concentration of sulfur hexafluoride has increased by 2 orders of magnitude between 1970 and 1992(4). In addition, scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have reported that perfluoro compounds have very long atmospheric lifetimes (on the order of millennia) and thus significant global warming potentials(4). The main process of removal of sulfur hexafluoride from the troposphere has been reported to be its advection into mesosphere, where the substance may be subjected to degradation via the reaction with free electrons(5); a global atmospheric lifetime of 3200 years was calculated for sulfur hexafluoride(5). Using a two-dimensional transport and chemistry model which includes removal by electrons and ions in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, the predicted atmospheric lifetime after photolysis for sulfur hexafluoride was determined to be greater than or equal to 600 years(6). The main products of sulfur hexafluoride arc decomposition in the presence of air are thionyl fluoride, sulfur tetrafluoride, and sulfur tetrafluoromonoxide plus metal fluorides and sulfides(7).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless gas. SF6 is used in several industrial applications. The insulation of electrical equipment, the magnesium casting processes and the semiconductor manufacturing are the main applications. Beside the industrial applications, SF6 is used in medical applications as an ultrasound contrast agent and as a tamponade gas in ophthalmology. It has been identified as one of the greehouse gases. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: SF6 is a simple asphyxiant. its chemical inertness and its very low accumulation potential support the low concern for the toxicity of this substance. The possible formation of highly toxic breakdown products may occur when SF6 is subjected to high stress conditions; in particular electrical discharges occurring in the gas-insulated equipment may promote the formation of highly reactive species of toxicological concern. The degeneration products can be toxic, causing nausea and vomiting, pulmonary symptoms, and transient atelectasis. It may be contaminated with other fluorides of sulfur, such as sulfur pentafluoride and disulfur decafluoride, which are extremely toxic and are respiratory irritants. Inhaled as a mixture of 80% with 20% oxygen, it produces tingling, excitement, and altered hearing and is a mild anesthetic. Impairments of psychomotor, perceptual, and cognitive abilities were determined in nine male subjects exposed to inhaled SF6. In the clinical trials of SF6- based contrast agent Lumason, serious adverse reactions were observed in 2 subjects; one who experienced a hypersensitivity-type rash and near syncope symptoms and another who experienced anaphylactic shock shortly following Lumason administration. Other adverse events for European SF6-based contrast agent SonoVue included severe hypotension, bradycardia, cardiac arrest and acute myocardial infarction. Three fatalities occured in patients with pre-existing, severe coronary artery disease. No evidence of genotoxicity was found in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay. European contrast agent Sonovue was not clastogenic in human lymphocytes in vitro. ANIMAL STUDIES: Commercial grade sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) showed no cytotoxicity in hamster lung cells (V-79) even after an exposure of 24-48 hr to a 95% SF6-5% air mixture. Sparked sulfur hexafluoride exhibited a strong cytotoxic effect and 1 hr of exposure killed 74% cells. The cytotoxicity increased with time of exposure and varied with the spark energy. In a 4 week study in rats cecitis, colitis, cecum erosion and ulcers were observed. The effects were reversible within 14 days after treatment cessation. Colon erosion was observed in one animal. These toxic effects were not observed in a confirmatory study in rats and in a similar study in cynomolgous monkeys. No impairment of fertility was observed in rats receiving SF6-based contrast agent Lumason at doses up to 8 times the human dose based on body surface area. No evidence of genotoxicity was found in the following studies conducted with Lumason: a bacterial mutagenesis (Ames) assay, and an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Similarly, Sonovue was neither mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium nor in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: SF6 has been identified as a potent greenhouse gas.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Many chemical compounds present in Earth's atmosphere behave as greenhouse gases. These are gases which allow direct sunlight (relative shortwave energy) to reach the Earth's surface unimpeded. As the shortwave energy (that in the visible and ultraviolet portion of the spectra) heats the surface, longer-wave (infrared) energy (heat) is reradiated to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb this energy, thereby allowing less heat to escape back to space, and trapping it in the lower atmosphere. Many greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and nitrous oxide, while others are synthetic. Those that are man-made include the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), as well as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Atmospheric concentrations of both the natural and man-made gases have been rising over the last few centuries due to the industrial revolution.

Suffocation.

ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.

See Skin.

asphyxia: increased breath rate, pulse rate; slight muscle incoordination, emotional upset; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), nausea, vomiting, convulsions; liquid: frostbite

Recent experimental data concerning sulfur hexafluoride suggest an early 1996 emission rate of 5.9 Gg/year and an interhemispheric exchange time of 1.3 years(1). The atmospheric burden of sulfur hexafluoride has increased from 5000 tons in 1970 to 90,000 tons in 1995, corresponding to emissions of <0.5 tons/yr in 1970 to 6,250 tons/yr in 1995(2). This amount increases by 7% every year. In 2002, emissions of sulfur hexafluoride to the atmosphere from the US electrical power industry totaled 589 metric tons(3).

The Koc of sulfur hexafluoride is estimated as 29(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.68(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that sulfur hexafluoride is expected to have very high mobility in soil. Experimental data suggests that sulfur hexafluoride does not absorb at all in soils(4). The adsorption of sulfur hexafluoride was studied in four soils that differed markedly in pH, texture, and organic carbon content by injecting 100 ppm of the gas into bottles containing 5 g of soil and following the concentration of the sulfur hexafluoride in the head space air for 15 days(4). The experiments were conducted using both air-dried soils and soils moistened to fifty percent of their water holding capacity. None of the soils tested adsorbed any sulfur hexafluoride. Sulfur hexafluoride's lack of adsorptivity is one characteristic that makes it an ideal tracer gas(4).

Sulfur hexafluoride may occur in fluorite and granite. It was reported that sulfur hexafluoride was present in fluorite and in two of eight granites analyzed. Sulfur hexafluoride was detected in hot springs from volcanic and igneous areas, and in pre-1940 ground waters from Maryland. These results indicated that small concentrations were present in waters that pre-dated industrial production of sulfur hexafluoride(1).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: In a field study conducted along US Highway 70 near Raleigh, NC during May 1983, the concentration of sulfur hexafluoride emitted from automobiles ranged from 1.5 to 13.4 parts per billion(1). Air monitoring at sites that include urban, non-urban, and marine environments in California was conducted during 21 July 1976 to 21 July 1997. The average sulfur hexafluoride concentration in the northern hemisphere was determined to range from 0.24 to 0.9 parts per thousand(2).

RURAL/REMOTE: Above 25 km height, sulfur hexafluoride concentrations are lagging the tropospheric ones by several years: 4.5 years for the tropics, 6 years for mid-latitudes and up to 10 years for the arctic winter vortex(1). Due to is enormous global warming potential, sulfur hexafluoride is now being systematically monitored by a number of air sampling programs which may nclude high resolution latitude profiles over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, weekly flask samples from remote, globally distributed sites, hourly in situ measurements in rural or industrial areas, and a series of archived air samples(1). The natural background of sulfur hexafluoride is lower than 0.4 parts per trillion(2). Observations from four background monitoring stations, Neumayer, Antarctica (1986-1994), Cape Grim, Tasmania (1978-1994), Izana, Canary Islands (1991-1994) and Alert, Canada (1993-1994), of sulfur hexaflouride were as follows: for the period from January 1978 to December 1994 the data confirm a stable and unbroken quadratic rise in tropospheric sulfur hexafluoride from 0.5 to 3.11 parts per trillion in the southern hemisphere and for July 1991 to December 1994 from 2.69 to 3.44 parts per trillion in the northern hemisphere(3). The global mean tropospheric increase rate in late 1994 was 0.225 parts per trillion/year (6.9%/yr)(3). The long term trend and interhemispheric gradients are due to industrial production and emission, rising approximately linearly with time and with 94% emissions located mainly in the northern atmosphere(3). Monitoring at a background site in Shangdianzi China during June 2009 to May 2011 detected a mean background level of sulfur hexafluoride of 7.22X10-12 mol/mol(4). Since 1995 two different sampling programs in The Halocarbons and other Atmospheric Trace Species (HATS) group have measured sulfur hexafluoride (SF6); the combined data set is calculated by taking weighted averages of co-located measurements from background NOAA/ESRL GMD air measurement program(5); the combined global mean concentration of sulfur hexafluoride has increased (almost linearly) from 3.1 ppt in 1995 to 8.6 ppt in 2015(5).

Use of ... SF6 in the Netherlands (kiloton CO2 equivalents yr-1) and the Global Warming Potential (GWP) used. NOTE: Not covered by the Montreal Protocol [Table#2234]

V08DA05

V - Various

QV - Various

Sulfur hexafluoride provides useful echocardiographic signal intensity for two minutes after the injection. Sulfur hexafluoride microspheres are destroyed and contrast enhancement decreases as the mechanical index increases (values of 0.8 or less are recommended). For ultrasonography of the liver, Sulfur hexafluoride provides dynamic patterns of differential signal intensity enhancement between focal liver lesions and liver parenchyma during the arterial, portal venous, and late phase of signal intensity enhancement of the microvasculature.

Within the blood, the acoustic impedance of Lumason microspheres is lower than that of the surrounding non-aqueous tissue. Therefore, an ultrasound beam is reflected from the interface between the microspheres and the surrounding tissue. The reflected ultrasound signal provides a visual image that shows a contrast between the blood and the surrounding tissues.

The terminal half-life of SF6 in blood was approximately 10 minutes for the 0.3 mL/kg dose. (At the 0.03 mL/kg dose, terminal half-life could not be estimated.)

The pharmacokinetic of the SF6 gas component of Lumason was evaluated in 12 healthy adult subjects (7 men and 5 women). After intravenous bolus injections of 0.03 mL/kg and 0.3 mL/kg of Lumason... The terminal half-life of SF6 in blood was approximately 10 minutes for the 0.3 mL/kg dose. (At the 0.03 mL/kg dose, terminal half-life could not be estimated.) The area-under-the-curve of SF6 was dose-proportional over the dose range studied.

... Following intravenous administration of 0.3 mL/kg of SonoVue (trade mark) (i.e., approximately ten times the imaging dose), the blood level curve showed a distribution half-life of about 1 minute and an elimination half-life of about 6 minutes. ...

In a study of patients with pulmonary impairment, blood concentrations of SF6 peaked at 1 to 4 minutes following Lumason administration. The cumulative recovery of SF6 in expired air was 102 +/- 18% (mean +/- standard deviation), and the terminal half-life of SF6 in blood was similar to that measured in healthy subjects.

SF6 undergoes little or no biotransformation; 88% of an administered dose is recovered unchanged in expired air.

SF6 undergoes little or no biotransformation; 88% of an administered dose is recovered unchanged in expired air.

Under brief and prolonged exposures, sulfur hexafluoride was biologically inert and did not metabolize.

WS7LR3I1D6

SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE

Established Pharmacologic Class [EPC] - Contrast Agent for Ultrasound Imaging

Mechanisms of Action [MoA] - Ultrasound Contrast Activity

Sulfur hexafluoride is a Contrast Agent for Ultrasound Imaging. The mechanism of action of sulfur hexafluoride is as an Ultrasound Contrast Activity.

The pharmacokinetic of the SF6 gas component of Lumason was evaluated in 12 healthy adult subjects (7 men and 5 women). After intravenous bolus injections of 0.03 mL/kg and 0.3 mL/kg of Lumason, corresponding to approximately 1 and 10 times the recommended doses, concentrations of SF6 in blood peaked within 1 to 2 minutes for both doses.

The SF6 component of Lumason is eliminated via the lungs.

In a study of healthy subjects, the mean values for the apparent steady-state volume of distribution of SF6 were 341 L and 710 L for Lumason doses of 0.03 mL/kg and 0.3 mL/kg, respectively. Preferential distribution to the lung is likely responsible for these values.

SonoVue, is a new echo contrast agent based on stabilized sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles ... The blood kinetics and pulmonary elimination of SF6 after intravenous bolus injection of two dosage levels (0.03 and 0.3 mL/kg) of SonoVue were evaluated in 12 healthy subjects (7 men, 5 women). In addition, safety and tolerability were evaluated by monitoring vital signs, adverse effects, discomfort, and physical examination and laboratory parameters associated with the SonoVue injection. The blood kinetics of SF6 was not dose dependent. SF6 was rapidly removed from the blood by the pulmonary route, with 40% to 50% of the injected dose eliminated within the first minute after administration and 80% to 90% eliminated by 11 minutes after administration; the elimination was similar in men and women and independent of dose. Both dosages were well tolerated. No adverse effects were observed immediately or during the 24-hour follow-up period. ... The route of SF6 elimination was by means of the lungs in the expired air. ...

Sonovue (trade mark) is a new echo contrast agent made of microbubbles stabilized by phospholipids and containing sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), an innocuous gas. ... With regard to the gas contained in the bubbles, its pharmacokinetics have been assessed during a study in human volunteers. Following intravenous administration of 0.3 mL/kg of SonoVue (trade mark) (i.e., approximately ten times the imaging dose), the blood level curve showed a distribution half-life of about 1 minute and an elimination half-life of about 6 minutes. More than 80% of the administered gas is exhaled via the lungs after 11 minutes. ...

The pharmacokinetic of the SF6 gas component of Lumason was evaluated in 12 healthy adult subjects (7 men and 5 women). After intravenous bolus injections of 0.03 mL/kg and 0.3 mL/kg of Lumason, corresponding to approximately 1 and 10 times the recommended doses, concentrations of SF6 in blood peaked within 1 to 2 minutes for both doses. The terminal half-life of SF6 in blood was approximately 10 minutes for the 0.3 mL/kg dose. (At the 0.03 mL/kg dose, terminal half-life could not be estimated.) The area-under-the-curve of SF6 was dose-proportional over the dose range studied.

Used as a gaseous electric insulator and as a tracer gas to measure ventilation patterns; [ACGIH]

An inert gas used mainly as a test gas in respiratory physiology. Other uses include its injection in vitreoretinal surgery to restore the vitreous chamber and as a tracer in monitoring the dispersion and deposition of air pollutants.

Because of its inertness under normal conditions, SF6 has been used as a tracer for a variety of studies such as airflow patterns, underground pipe leak detection, and dispersion of air pollutants.

Sulfur hexafluoride is the main insulation for power transmission in high voltage coaxial lines which can move power above ground, underground, or underwater.

In electrical circuit interrupters. In electronic ultra-high frequency piping.

For more Uses (Complete) data for SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2023: 1,000,000 - <5,000,000 lb

The annual world production of sulfur hexafluoride has increased to 7,000 tons per year in 1993, and it is predicted that, by the year 2010, ... production levels could reach 10,000 metric tons per year.

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#2237]

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Sulfur fluoride (SF6). National Production Volume: 1,000,000 - 10,000,000 lb/yr.

APPROX 100% AS GASEOUS INSULATION MEDIUM (1977)

Minor uses of SF6 (about 5% of the production): insulation of nuclear particle accelerators and X-ray equipment, microwave and radar equipment, thermoacoustic insulation of windows ... meteorology and medical uses related to its inertness, treatment with a plasma containing SF6 for etching silicon or for increasing the water repellency of a wet strength of kraft paper, and protection of molten magnesium in the magnesium industry.

Because of the good dielectric properties of SF6 and its ability to trap electrons during arc blowing, 90-95% of the SF6 produced is used in electromechanical equipment ...

The electric power industry uses approximately 80% of the sulfur hexafluoride produced worldwide. The rest of ... production is used in aluminum and magnesium foundries, semiconductor technology, other manufacturing processes (e.g., plasma processing), or even specific tasks such as thermal insulation, scuba diving, sound insulation, torpedo propeller quieting, insulation for AWACS radar domes, atmospheric trace gas studies, leak testing and land permeability detection for nuclear waste deposition.

Several techniques are described in the literature that use simple sulfur melting pot or flame reactors. The heat of reaction must be removed by cooling the reactor jacket. The crude gas produced, consisting mainly of SF6, must be purified because it contains SOF2, SO2F2, and toxic lower fluorides such as S2F2, SF4, and S2F10. The gases are first washed in a KOH spray scrubber to remove the major portion of the hydrolyzable compounds (S2F2, SF4, HF, F2, SO2F2, etc.). The gas mixture is then passed through a metal tube at 400 °C to pyrolyze the S2F10 to SF4 and SF6. Another washing with an alkaline solution is necessary to remove the last portions of hydrolyzable compounds. The gases next pass through a tower containing a suitable drying material, such as alumina, phosphorus pentoxide, or barium oxide, before being purified over charcoal, distilled, compressed, and transferred to steel cylinders for storage.

Prepared by direct fluorination of sulfur or sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur hexafluoride is manufactured by combining sulfur vapor and pure elemental fluorine. It is then given a preliminary scrubbing with caustic. Any disulfur decafluoride, S2F10, formed is decomposed by heating the product to 400 °C, to give SF4 and SF6. The SF4 and any remaining lower fluorides of sulfur are removed by a second caustic scrubber. The gas is then dried in a sulfuric acid tower, distilled, and packaged. A routine manufacturing quality-control test establishes the absence of toxic impurities. In this test, mice are exposed to an atmosphere of 80% sulfur hexafluoride and 20% oxygen for 16-20 hr and must show no visible effects from the gas.

Lumason (sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres) for injectable suspension is a 3-part kit comprised of: one Lumason vial containing 25 mg of lipid-type A sterile lyophilized powder with headspace filled with 60.7 mg of sulfur hexafluoride gas one prefilled syringe containing 5 mL Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection, USP (Diluent) one Mini-Spike Following reconstitution with the provided diluent, Lumason suspension contains 1.5 to 5.6 x108 microspheres/mL with 45 mcg/mL of sulfur hexafluoride.

Instrument grade - 99.9 wt% available; commercial grade - 99.9 wt% available

Sonovue sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles 8 uL/mL. Powder and solvent for dispersion of injection. 1 vial containing 25 mg of powder to be reconsitituted with 5 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection.

Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Sulfur fluoride (SF6), (OC-6-11)-: ACTIVE

Global Warming Potential (GWP): Chemical: Nitrous oxide; GWP: 298 (100-Year Time Horizon)

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is the electric power industry's preferred gas for electrical insulation and arc quenching/current interruption equipment used in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. However, SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas and this has led to concerns regarding its long-range environmental impact. Besides the current efforts to curtail the releases of SF6 into the environment, a comprehensive and focused program is indicated to develop alternative gaseous insulators and alternative high voltage technology. Final rept.

Not covered by the Montreal Protocol or any other international agreement.

According to the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), SF6 /sulfur hexafluoride/ is a synthetic gas that was developed for use as an electrical insulating medium for the power industry. Originally, its outstanding insulation characteristics were used primarily to reduce power circuit breaker interruption time; reducing interruption time enhances power system stability. As concerns escalated regarding poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that were found in insulating oil used in older breakers, the use of SF6 insulated breakers grew. SF6 is chemically inert, nonflammable, and nontoxic. Although SF6 gas is not detrimental to the ozone layer, it is a highly potent greenhouse gas. It is 23,900 times more effective at trapping infrared radiation than carbon monoxide and is stable in the atmosphere for some 3,200 years. Although the percentage of SF6 found in the atmosphere is relatively small, the rate of growth is alarming. Currently, there is no Federal legislation curtailing the use of SF6. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsors and facilitates a program for a voluntary reduction of SF6 emissions within the electric power industry. This program provides a forum for EPA and the electric power industry to work together to reduce SF6 emissions to technically and economically feasible levels, thereby helping to reduce global climate change. Implied is that if voluntary programs are not successful, legislation may be required to restrict the use of SF6.