Helium vs sulfur hexafluoride

Sulfur hexafluoride is a non-toxic, invisible gas that you can use to perform interesting chemistry demonstrations. Breathe it in and make your voice much deeper when you talk.

Pour it into a container and float an airplane or a ship on 'nothing'. In a way, it is like the anti-helium gas, because while helium is about six times lighter than air, sulfur hexafluoride is six times heavier.

Sulfur Hexafluoride Facts

• Inorganic compound with a chemical formula SF₆
• Non-polar gas
• Non-toxic, odorless, colorless
• nNn-flammable at room temperature and pressure
• Octahedral geometry
• Poorly soluble in water; soluble in nonpolar organic solvents
• Density of 6.13 g/L at sea level

Fun Things to Try with Sulfur Hexafluoride

• Float Your Boat: Pour sulfur hexafluoride into an aquarium or large beaker.
  Voice simulation software

  It is heavier than air, so it will sink. You can float light objects on the invisible gas, such as a paper airplane or a boat made from aluminum foil. If you use a cup to scoop up some of the sulfur hexafluoride and dump it into a