Hydrofluoric Acid HF

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Hydrofluoric Acid HF is a highly corrosive aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride gas dissolved in water. It is a colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a strong pungent odor. Unlike other mineral acids, HF is a weak acid chemically but uniquely reactive due to its ability to dissolve silica and glass, and penetrate tissues deeply. This makes it invaluable in numerous industrial, laboratory, and specialized applications but also highly hazardous.

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Categories: Leaching Agents, pH Adjusters, Precious Metal Extraction Agents Tags: HF 50%, High-Purity Acid, Hydrofluoric Acid, Industrial Acid, Surface Treatment Chemicals

Description

Table of Contents

Hydrofluoric Acid HF

Primary Uses

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

Glass and Quartz Etching: HF is extensively used for precise etching, frosting, and engraving on glass, quartz, and silica-based materials for decorative, optical, and industrial purposes.
Metal Cleaning and Pickling: Efficient at removing oxides, rust, and scales from stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals prior to plating or fabrication.
Chemical Synthesis: Key reagent and catalyst in the manufacture of fluorinated compounds, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), fluoropolymers (e.g., PTFE/Teflon), refrigerants, and pharmaceuticals.
Petroleum Refining: Used as a catalyst in the alkylation process to produce high-octane gasoline components, improving fuel quality.
Silicon and Semiconductor Processing: Critical in microelectronics for etching silicon wafers and cleaning delicate components in chip manufacturing.

Laboratory and Analytical Uses

Sample Preparation: For elemental analysis, HF digests silicate and mineral samples by dissolving silica matrices to allow metal analysis.
Surface Treatment: Used to clean and prepare surfaces of ceramics and electronic materials.

Environmental and Waste Treatment

Occasionally employed in highly controlled settings to neutralize or break down fluorinated wastes or residues.

Secondary Uses

Dental and Medical Applications

Dental Etching: Used at much lower concentrations to etch tooth enamel during restorative dentistry procedures, enhancing bonding of fillings and sealants.

Art and Craft

Used by artists and glassmakers to create frost patterns and textures on glass objects and artworks.

Specialized Industrial Cleaning

Cleaning of scale and deposits in industrial equipment, pipelines, and reactors where silica or metal oxides accumulate.

Electronics and Optics

Etching and cleaning optical fibers, lenses, and precision glass instruments to improve clarity and performance.

Research and Development

Used in chemical research for synthesis and as a reagent for fluoride ion introduction in complex organic reactions.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydrogen fluoride (aqueous)
Common/Trade Name: Hydrofluoric Acid 50%
CAS Number: 7664-39-3
HS Code: 2811.12.00
Molecular Formula: HF (aqueous)
Synonyms: Fluoric acid; Hydrogen fluoride solution

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid
Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; sharp, pungent odor
Boiling Point: Approx. 108 °C at 50% concentration
Density: ~1.15 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water
pH: <1 (strongly acidic)
Corrosivity: Highly corrosive to skin, glass, metals, and tissues

Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification:
- Skin corrosion/irritation: Category 1A
- Serious eye damage/irritation: Category 1
- Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure): Category 3 (respiratory irritation)
Toxicity: Extremely toxic via skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL 3 ppm; ACGIH TLV 0.5 ppm (ceiling)

Storage & Handling Attributes

Container Type: Polyethylene, Teflon, or HF-resistant plastic containers only
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, ventilated area, away from bases, metals, and oxidizers
Shelf Life: Stable up to 24 months if stored properly
Handling Notes: Extreme care with full PPE and emergency protocols

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulated as hazardous substance by OSHA, EPA, REACH, and transport authorities
Labeling and documentation required for transport and storage

Environmental & Health Impact

Not biodegradable; environmentally hazardous to aquatic organisms
Not bioaccumulative but highly toxic in environmental exposures
No known carcinogenicity but severe acute toxicity and systemic effects

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE: Acid-resistant gloves, full-face shield, protective apron, respirator with acid gas cartridges
Handling: Use in fume hoods; avoid skin contact and inhalation; calcium gluconate gel must be readily available for emergency treatment
Hygiene: No eating or smoking; thorough washing after use

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen if necessary; seek urgent medical attention
Skin Contact: Rinse with water continuously for 15+ minutes; apply calcium gluconate gel; urgent medical care required
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; immediate medical attention essential
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; seek emergency care immediately

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Not flammable but reacts with metals releasing flammable hydrogen gas
Extinguishing Media: Water spray preferred; foam, dry chemical, CO₂ acceptable for surrounding fire
Precautions: Firefighters require SCBA and acid-resistant gear
Decomposition Products: Toxic fluorine-containing gases and hydrogen gas