What is the chemical formula for sulfur hexafluoride?

The chemical formula for sulfur hexafluoride is SF6, as indicated by the name itself. In this nomenclature, the prefix "hexa-" specifies that there are six fluorine atoms bonded to a single sulfur atom. The formula SF6 accurately reflects this, showing one sulfur (S) atom and six fluorine (F) atoms. Each fluorine contributes to the molecular structure, resulting in a compound that is colorless and has applications in various fields, including electrical insulation and as a tracer gas in environmental studies.

The other options do not match the required composition of sulfur hexafluoride. SO6, for instance, suggests a compound that contains oxygen, which is incorrect since sulfur hexafluoride involves only sulfur and fluorine atoms. S2F6 indicates two sulfur atoms and six fluorine atoms, which would imply a different molecular structure and misleadingly suggest that the sulfur atoms are identical in bonding, when in fact, SF6 is composed of one sulfur atom with six fluorines. Lastly, SF4 indicates four fluorine atoms associated with one sulfur atom, which also misrepresents the required six fluorine atoms in sulfur hexafluoride. Thus, SF6 stands out as the correct and only proper representation of