What are the main uses of hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive inorganic acid. Its main uses are quite extensive, and are described as follows:
First, in the chemical industry, it is a key raw material for the preparation of fluorine-containing compounds. Such as aluminum fluoride, which is often obtained by reacting hydrofluoric acid with aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum fluoride is an indispensable flux in the aluminum smelting industry, which can reduce the melting point of aluminum oxide, reduce energy consumption, and promote aluminum smelting. Another example is lithium hexafluorophosphate, which is synthesized from hydrofluoric acid through a multi-step reaction. It is the core component of the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries and has a significant impact on battery performance.
Second, in the glass etching industry, hydrofluoric acid has a significant effect. Silica, the main component of glass, can chemically react with hydrofluoric acid to form gaseous silicon tetrafluoride, which can be accurately etched on the glass surface to produce glass products with exquisite patterns or specific shapes, such as art glass, optical glass components, etc., to meet the needs of decorative and optical instrument manufacturing.
Third, hydrofluoric acid is also commonly used in the semiconductor industry. The silicon dioxide layer on the surface of the silicon wafer can be removed by hydrofluoric acid to achieve the purpose of cleaning and pretreatment of the silicon wafer, ensuring the smooth progress of the semiconductor device manufacturing process and improving the device performance and yield.
Fourth, in the petrochemical industry, hydrofluoric acid can be used as a catalyst for alkylation reactions. In this reaction, hydrofluoric acid can promote the alkylation reaction of olefins and isobutane to form high-octane gasoline blending components, improving gasoline quality and antiknock performance. In conclusion, hydrofluoric acid plays an important role in many industrial fields, but due to its strong corrosiveness, it is necessary to strictly follow safety procedures when using it to prevent harm to people and the environment.

What are the physical properties of hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid has various physical properties. Its normal state is a colorless, transparent and smoky liquid with a strong irritating odor. The boiling point is quite low, about 19.5 ° C. Due to the hydrogen bond, the boiling point is higher than that of similar compounds. The melting point is -83.3 ° C.

Hydrofluoric acid has a slightly higher density than water, about 1.15g/cm ³, and is highly soluble in water, partially ionized in water, and weakly acidic. However, it is highly corrosive and can erode many substances such as glass. It can react with silica to form gaseous silicon tetrafluoride, which is also one of its remarkable physical characteristics.

Hydrofluoric acid is volatile, volatilizes hydrogen fluoride gas in the air, and combines with water vapor to form acid mist. Its steam is highly toxic and extremely harmful to the human body. Due to its many unique physical properties, it has important uses in many fields such as chemicals, metallurgy, semiconductors, etc. However, when using it, extreme caution is required to prevent harm to personal safety and the environment.

What are the chemical properties of hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid has various chemical properties. It is a weak acid that only partially dissociates in water, but it is highly corrosive and can erode glass and silicon-containing materials.

Hydrofluoric acid can react with metals. If it encounters active metals, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, etc., hydrogen and metal fluorides will be generated. Taking iron as an example, the reaction formula is: $Fe + 2HF = FeF 2O + H 2O ↑ $.

also reacts with metal oxides. If it reacts with calcium oxide, calcium fluoride and water will be produced, and the formula is: $CaO + 2HF = CaF 2O + H 2O O $. < Br >
and can interact with the alkali phase to cause neutralization reaction. Take sodium hydroxide as an example to generate sodium fluoride and water, and the reaction formula is: $HF + NaOH = NaF + H 2O O $.

is particularly special, hydrofluoric acid can react with silica, which is the reason for its erodible glass. The reaction formula is: $SiO 2O + 4HF = SiF ^ + 2H 2O O $. Therefore, when storing hydrofluoric acid, glass containers are not used, mostly plastic containers.

Hydrofluoric acid has strong coordination and can form complexes with a variety of metal ions. For example, with aluminum ions, it can form stable complexes, which are widely used in metallurgy and other fields. Its unique properties are important in many industries such as chemical engineering, etching, metallurgy, etc. However, due to its strong corrosiveness and toxicity, it must be used with caution and strict procedures.

What is the harm of hydrofluoric acid to the human body?

Hydrofluoric acid is also a highly corrosive acid. It is very harmful to the human body and cannot be ignored.

First, it hurts the skin. When touched, it may only feel a slight pain at first, but rarely it is excruciating. It can penetrate deep into the skin, damage subcutaneous tissues, muscles, and even bones, causing ulcers that are difficult to heal, and often leave scars after healing.

Second, it harms the respiratory tract. If inhaled its volatile mist, it hurts the nose, throat, and trachea. Light cases cause cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulties; severe cases can cause pulmonary edema, endangering life.

Third, damage the eyes. Careless entry into the eyes can quickly injure the cornea and conjunctiva, lightly cause eye pain, tears, blurred vision, and seriously cause blindness.

Fourth, endanger the whole body. Hydrofluoric acid enters the body, fluoride ions can combine with blood calcium and blood magnesium, causing blood calcium and blood magnesium to drop sharply, causing arrhythmia, convulsions, and even cardiac arrest.

Therefore, due to hydrofluoric acid, you must be careful and careful. When working, you must follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment to prevent its harm. If you are accidentally exposed, rinse with plenty of water quickly and seek medical attention urgently.

How should hydrofluoric acid be stored and transported?

Those with fluoric acid are strong and strong, and the best way to do it is not to be careless. If you want to be good at it, the first material should be suitable. Because it can make glass, it is avoided to use glass utensils, and it is better to use plastic materials or containers. Plastic materials such as polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene are strong and resistant, and can be good. Those who are weak can also resist fluoric acid.

It is suitable to hide in the cold, avoid direct sunlight, and avoid the source of fire. Because the fluoric acid is affected by the cold, the speed of the cold is increased, and the danger is doubled. It is also separated from the cold, active gold powder and other substances to prevent it from mixing and melting.

It is necessary to follow the rules. Those who are affected by the cold, and it is urgent to reduce its danger. It is appropriate to match the appropriate emergency management and anti-collision supplies. The container should be fixed to prevent it from falling and colliding. And on the way, the company often checks the container. If there is any leakage, it is urgent to do so quickly.


In addition, the use of fluoric acid is based on the method of the company and the method of the grid, so that the security can be completely worried and avoid trouble.