What Is Hydrogen Fluoride?
Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless, fuming liquid with a pungent odor, consisting of a fluorine and a hydrogen atom. It is known for strong intermolecular interactions and forms dimers and polymers.
Properties of Hydrogen Fluoride
With a melting point of -119°F and a boiling point of 68°F, hydrogen fluoride is soluble in water and various organic solvents. It is a protic polar solvent, forming highly toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid when in aqueous solution.
Uses of Hydrogen Fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride is crucial in semiconductor manufacturing, production of fluorine compounds, glass etching, metal fluoridation, organic synthesis, and plating processes.
Other Information on Hydrogen Fluoride
1. Production Process
Produced by heating fluorite with sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride is also obtained by reacting fluorine with water or heating potassium hydrogen fluoride.
2. Interaction with Glass
Hydrogen fluoride reacts with silicic acid in glass, forming hexafluorosilicic acid and corroding glass surfaces.
3. Legal and Safety Aspects
Classified as a non-medicinal poison, hydrogen fluoride requires careful handling, including the use of protective gear and proper storage.