Disulfur decafluoride

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Disulfur Decafluoride

Molecular formula	S₂F₁₀
Molecular Weight	254.1
Appearance	Colorless
Structure	Octahedral
CAS number	[5714-22-7]
Properties
Melting point	-53 °C
Boiling point	30.1 °C
Vapor Pressure
25 °C	675 mm Hg

Disulfur Decafluoride, or S₂F₁₀, is a gas discovered in 1934 by Denbigh and Whytlaw-Gray. Each S of the S₂F₁₀ molecule is octahedral, and surrounded by 5 fluorines. S₂F₁₀ is highly toxic, with toxicity similar to phosgene. It was considered a potential chemical warfare agent in World War II because it does not produce lacrimation or skin irritation, thus providing little warning of exposure. It is a possible by-product of electrically decomposed SF₆, a gaseous insulator used in high voltage systems such as transmission lines, substations and switchgear.