Sulfuryl fluoride
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Description
A colorless, odorless, toxic gas used for fumigation. Sulfuryl fluoride is sold commercially in the USA as Vikane® [Dow Chemical]. Vikane is used to kill insects (ants, termites, Silverfish, cockroaches, etc.) in homes and buildings. At high humidity and high temperature Vikane® can decompose to form hydrofluoric acid. Sulfuryl fluoride is gaseous at room temperature. It is applied from a compressed cylinder of liquid. The sprayed aerosol quickly becomes a gas and disperses throughout the sealed area. Vikane® is toxic to all life forms.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Vikane® [Dow Chemical]; sulfuric oxyfluoride
Risks
- Toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. LC50 = 417mg/m3
- Noncombustible.
- Contact of liquid on metals can cause corrosion.
- Decomposes with high humidities and high temperatures to form hydrofluoric acid.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Slightly soluble in cold water, most organic solvents and vegetable oils.
| Composition | SO2F2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 2699-79-8 |
| Melting Point | -139.7 C |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 102.06 |
| Boiling Point | -55.4 C |
Resources and Citations
- M.Derrick, H.Burgess, N.Binnie, M.Baker, "Sulfuryl Fluoride(Vikane): A Review of Its Use as a Fumigant" JAIC 29:77-90, 1990.
- M.Baker, H.Burgess, N.Binnie, M.Derrick J.Druzik "Laboratory Investigation of the Fumigant Vikane' ICOM Preprints Dresden 1990 p. 804-811.
- Lynda A. Zycherman, J.Richard Schrock, A Guide to Museum Pest Control, FAIC and Association of Systematics Collections, Washington DC, 1988
- G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, Biology in the Conservation of Works of Art, ICCROM, Rome, 1991
- J. Dawson, CCI Technical Bulletin, 'Solving Museum Insect Problems: Chemical Control' , Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa, No. 15