Sulfuryl fluoride

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