Properties of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas known for its high electrical insulating properties. It is commonly used in electrical equipment such as high-voltage circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear to insulate and extinguish electrical arcs.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of sulfur hexafluoride properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 146.056 g/mol |
| Density (0°C) | 6.516 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity (25°C) | 15.3 µPa·s |
| Speed of Sound in Gas | 134 m/s |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -50 °C |
| Boiling Point | -63.8 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 0.013 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 663 J/kg·K |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 45.6 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 3.76 MPa |
| Critical Density (ρc) | 734 kg/m3 |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 1.002 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.000783 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.