Sulfuryl Fluoride (Vikane): A Review of its Use as a Fumigant

Sulfuryl fluoride, sold commercially as a fumigant by Dow Chemical Company under its trademark Vikane, is currently being examined for use in museums and historic structures as a pest control agent. While little to no visible damage to materials is noted when Vikane is properly used, the selection criteria for a museum fumigant must be founded on an in-depth analysis of its possible effect on the physical and chemical properties of exposed artifacts. This article forms a basis for the evaluation of sulfuryl fluoride by providing a comprehensive review on Vikane, including information regarding the uses, chemical reactivity, physical properties, efficacy, and toxicity of sulfuryl fluoride.