Sulfur pentafluoride

Disulfur decafluoride (S2F10) is a chemical compound discovered in 1934 by Denbigh and Whytlaw-Gray. Each sulfur atom of the S2F10 molecule is octahedral, and surrounded by five fluorine atoms. S2F10 is highly toxic, with toxicity four times that of phosgene. It was considered a potential chemical warfare pulmonary agent in World War II because it does not produce lacrimation or skin irritation, thus providing little warning of exposure. It is produced by the electrical decomposition of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)—an essentially inert insulator used in high voltage systems such as transmission lines, substations and switchgear. S2F10 is also made during the production of SF6, but is distilled out. It is a colorless liquid with a burnt match smell similar to sulfur dioxide. Disulfur decafluoride (S2F10) is a chemical compound discovered in 1934 by Denbigh and Whytlaw-Gray. Each sulfur atom of the S2F10 molecule is octahedral, and surrounded by five fluorine atoms. S2F10 is highly toxic, with toxicity four times that of phosgene. It was considered a potential chemical warfare pulmonary agent in World War II because it does not produce lacrimation or skin irritation, thus providing little warning of exposure. It is produced by the electrical decomposition of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)—an essentially inert insulator used in high voltage systems such as transmission lines, substations and switchgear. S2F10 is also made during the production of SF6, but is distilled out. It is a colorless liquid with a burnt match smell similar to sulfur dioxide. Disulfur decafluoride is produced primarily by the decomposition of sulfur hexafluoride: