REACH
Helium
CAS Number
7440-59-7
EC Number
231-168-5
E Number
E938
What is Helium?
Helium (CAS 7440-59-7), also identified as E939 in food-grade applications, is a chemically inert noble gas used industrially for its carrier and purging properties.
Where is Helium used?
- Semiconductor and electronics: carrier gas in chemical vapor deposition and cooling medium during wafer fabrication
- Chromatography: dominant carrier gas in GC systems, with low molecular weight for sharper peak resolution and faster analysis
- Aerospace and defense: purging fuel systems and pressurizing rocket propellants
- Food-grade aerosols: propellant gas for inert atmosphere protection
- Liquid helium serves cryogenic applications such as MRI cooling and superconducting magnet systems.
Commercial specifications
- Grades: research-purity, industrial-grade, food-grade
Other Names (Synonyms)
element 2|Atomic helium|Helium-4|p-Helium|O-Helium|Helium (USP)|INS NO.939|E939
What are the physical properties of Helium?
Melting Point -272.2 °C
Boiling Point -268.9 °C
Density 1.625 x 10⁻⁴ g/cm³ (gas)
Appearance Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is nonflammable.
Color colorless
Odor Odorless
Form gas
Water Solubility 8.61mL/1000g H2O (101.32kPa, 0°C) [KIR78]; Henry’s law constants, k×10?4: 9.856 (104°C), 6.739 (149.4°C), 2.524 (250.6°C), 1.796 (275.1°C) [POT78]
Log P 0.280
How is Helium classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS04· Compressed Gas
Hazard Statements
H280 Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Helium?
UN Number 1046
ADR Class 2.2
Storage Class 2A - Gases
WGK (Germany) 3