The Physical and Chemical Properties of Uranium Hexafluoride

This paper describes what uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) is, gives some of its pertinent physical properties, illustrates significant reactions between UF₆ and other substances, touches on its toxic properties, and states some of the ''do's'' and ''don't's'' of UF₆ handling. The properties of UF₆ determine how it must be handled and make direct observation impossible. To determine that the material in a container is UF₆, one must use other instruments in addition to a scale. Because of the very large volume expanision of UF₆ upon melting, diligence must be exercised in filling cylinders in which the UF₆ is partially solidified. A cylinder of liquified UF₆ with no ullage is potentially the equivalent of a superheated hot water heater, not just a hydraulically overpressurized cylinder. Finally, UF₆ can be handled safely by careful attention to the suggested precautions. 9 refs., 2 tabs., 3 figs.