Hydrofluoric Acid
HF, Hydrogen Fluoride Solution, Fluoric Acid, Hydronium Fluoride.
- CAS
- 7664-39-3
- EC
- 231-634-8
- Sectors
- Electronics & Solar PV, Oil, Gas & Energy, Mining & Metals
Hydrofluoric Acid (CAS 7664-39-3) is a reactive aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, supplied as a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, that dissolves silica and glass and serves as a precursor for fluorocarbons and fluoropolymers, a catalyst for petroleum alkylation, and a reagent for stainless steel pickling and wafer cleaning. Available in various concentrations including Technical Grade and Electronic Grade, it serves as a critical precursor for manufacturing fluorocarbons and fluoropolymers.
This chemical is widely utilized in the petrochemical industry as a potent catalyst for alkylation to produce high-octane gasoline. Its aggressive nature makes it indispensable for stainless steel pickling, removing oxides and scale to ensure superior metal surface finishing.
In the electronics sector, high-purity HF is essential for semiconductor wafer cleaning and precise glass etching processes. We supply this material in robust, safety-compliant packaging to support industrial chemical synthesis and specialized cleaning applications.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | FH |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 20.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | colourless gas with a pungent odour |
| Form | Liquid, Double Sub-Boiling Quartz Distillation |
| Color | max. 10 |
| Odor | Acrid, irritating odor |
| Melting point | -83.36 °C |
| Boiling point | 20 °C |
| Density | 0.991 g/cm³ @ Temp: 19.54 °C |
| Water solubility | soluble |
| Flash point | 112°C |
| pH | 3.27(1 mM solution);2.65(10 mM solution);2.12(100 mM solution) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Compressed gas, Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard |
| HS code | 28111100 |
| Grades available | Electronic Grade, Technical Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Hydrofluoric Acid
Applications
- Metal Surface Treatment:Mixed with Nitric Acid for pickling and passivating stainless steel to remove scale and impurities.
- Petroleum Refining: Acts as an alkylation catalyst to convert isobutane and olefins into high-value alkylate for gasoline blending.
- Electronics Manufacturing: Used for wet etching and cleaning silicon wafers to remove silicon dioxide in semiconductor fabrication.
- Glass Processing: Applied for frosting, polishing, and etching glass surfaces in the production of photovoltaics and decorative glass.
- Chemical Synthesis: Serves as the primary feedstock for producing fluorocarbons, refrigerants, and diverse inorganic fluorides.
Safety & Risks
Hydrofluoric Acid is extremely hazardous and requires specialized handling protocols. It is highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and uniquely toxic as it penetrates tissue to decalcify bone. Exposure can be fatal if untreated. Personnel must wear full acid-resistant PPE, including face shields and heavy-duty gloves. Calcium Gluconate gel must be immediately available as an antidote for skin contact.
Packaging
• 25 kg / 35 kg Jerrycans
• 200 L / 250 L HDPE Drums
• 1000 L IBC Totes
• Bulk / ISO Tank