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.

Description

Hydrofluoric Acid HF

Primary Uses 

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. Environmental and Waste Treatment
  • Occasionally employed in highly controlled settings to neutralize or break down fluorinated wastes or residues.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. 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.
  1. Art and Craft
  • Used by artists and glassmakers to create frost patterns and textures on glass objects and artworks.
  1. Specialized Industrial Cleaning
  • Cleaning of scale and deposits in industrial equipment, pipelines, and reactors where silica or metal oxides accumulate.
  1. Electronics and Optics
  • Etching and cleaning optical fibers, lenses, and precision glass instruments to improve clarity and performance.
  1. Research and Development
  • Used in chemical research for synthesis and as a reagent for fluoride ion introduction in complex organic reactions.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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)
  1. 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
  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulated as hazardous substance by OSHA, EPA, REACH, and transport authorities
  • Labeling and documentation required for transport and storage
  1. 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
  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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