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Hydrogen fluoride

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Identification
Molecular formula
HF
CAS number
7664-39-3
IUPAC name
hydrogen fluoride
State
State

At room temperature, hydrogen fluoride is typically a gas. However, it can liquefy at slightly lower temperatures or under increased pressure.

Melting point (Celsius)
-83.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
189.60
Boiling point (Celsius)
19.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
292.60
General information
Molecular weight
20.01g/mol
Molar mass
20.0060g/mol
Density
0.9910g/cm3
Appearence

Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas that can form white fumes in moist air due to the formation of tiny droplets of hydrofluoric acid. It may also exist as a colorless liquid at lower temperatures under pressure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hydrogen Fluoride

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) exhibits a distinct solubility profile that is crucial for various applications and research areas. Its solubility in water is quite significant, leading to the formation of hydrofluoric acid upon dissolution. Here are some key points regarding the solubility of HF:

  • High Water Solubility: Hydrogen fluoride is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 100 g/L at room temperature, which corresponds to a substantial degree of dissociation in solution.
  • Polar Nature: The polarity of the HF molecule enables strong interactions with water molecules, promoting its solvation and effective dispersal in aqueous environments.
  • Formation of Hydrofluoric Acid: When dissolved in water, HF ionizes to form H+ (hydronium) ions and F− (fluoride) ions, leading to a solution that exhibits acidic properties.
  • Solubility in Other Solvents: Although HF is predominantly known for its solubility in water, it can also dissolve in organic solvents such as alcohols and ether, although typically to a lesser extent.
  • Temperature Effect: The solubility of HF generally increases with temperature, making hot water a more effective solvent for this compound.

It's essential to approach solutions of hydrogen fluoride with caution, as it is a highly corrosive substance that can pose serious health risks. Always prioritize safety protocols when handling or studying HF in solution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hydrogen Fluoride

Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a fascinating chemical compound that plays a significant role in various industrial applications and scientific research. Here are some captivating aspects to consider:

  • Corrosive Nature: Hydrogen fluoride is highly corrosive, capable of attacking glass and many metals, making it a substance that requires careful handling and specific safety measures.
  • Widely Used in Industry: It is an essential compound in the production of fluorine-containing substances, such as refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, and fluoropolymers. For instance, its role in synthesizing Teflon is notable.
  • Foundational Chemical: HF is a precursor to several important fluorine compounds, including hydrofluoric acid, and is critical in the fluorination of organic compounds, which is a key step in many chemical syntheses.
  • Unique Properties: Unlike many acids, hydrogen fluoride can form hydrogen bonds, leading to unusual behavior in terms of its physical and chemical properties.
  • Environmental Impact: Due to its ability to persist in the environment, researchers study hydrogen fluoride's effects on ecosystems and its role in atmospheric chemistry.

It is essential to note that hydrogen fluoride should be handled with extreme caution. Exposure can lead to severe health risks, including serious skin burns and respiratory issues. As such, personal protective equipment is crucial when working with this compound. Despite its hazards, the utility of hydrogen fluoride in advancing technology and industry cannot be overstated.

Synonyms
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
Fluorhydric acid
Hydrofluoride
Rubigine
Antisal 2B
Hydrofluoricum acidum
Fluorowodor
Fluorwaterstof
Caswell No. 484
Acido fluoridrico
Acido fluorhidrico
Acide fluorhydrique
UN 1052 (anhydrous)
RCRA waste number U134
HSDB 546
CHEBI:29228
UNII-RGL5YE86CZ
RGL5YE86CZ
EINECS 231-634-8
Fluorure d'hydrogene anhydre
Fluoruro de hidrogeno anhidro
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 045601
NSC-750679
Fluohydric Acid
EC 231-634-8
NSC 750679
HYDROFLUORIC ACID (MART.)
HYDROFLUORIC ACID [MART.]
Acid, Fluohydric
Acid, Fluorhydric
Acid, Hydrofluoric
Acidum Fluoricum
Hydrogen fluoride
7664-39-3
fluorane
Fluorwasserstoff
Hydrogen-fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous
32057-09-3
Fluorowodor [Polish]
Hydrogenfluorid
Fluorwaterstof [Dutch]
hydrogenfluoride
Hydrogen fluoride (HF)
Fluorwasserstoff [German]
Hydrofluoric acid, ACS reagent, 48%
Acido fluoridrico [Italian]
Acide fluorhydrique [French]
Acido fluorhidrico [Spanish]
UN1052
RCRA waste no. U134
Fluorure d'hydrogene anhydre [French]
fluoroorganics
fluorum
Fluoruro de hidrogeno anhidro [Spanish]
fluoridohydrogen
hyrofluoric acid
hydrogen flouride
fluorure d'hydrogene
MFCD00011346
fluoroorganic compound
organofluorine compound
Hydrofluoric acid 70% by weight or more HF
fluororganische Verbindungen
Hydrofluoric acid, 55%, CP
HYDROFLUORIC ACID [MI]
HYDROGEN FLUORIDE [MI]
[HF]
CHEMBL1232767
DTXSID1049641
HYDROFLUORIC ACID [HSDB]
CHEBI:37143
DTXSID60872462
HYDROFLUORIC ACID [VANDF]
Hydrogen fluoride/Hydrofluoric acid (conc 50% or greater)
Hydrofluoric acid, AR, >=40%
YCKRFDGAMUMZLT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
HYDROFLUORIC ACID [WHO-DD]
Hydrofluoric acid, LR, 39-43%
Hydrofluoric acid, SAJ first grade
HYDROFLUORICUM ACIDUM [HPUS]
BDBM50499187
Hydrofluoric acid, 48% ACS reagent
Hydrofluoric acid, JIS special grade
NSC750679
AKOS024438092
DB11072
Hydrofluoric acid, technical, 40-45%
37249-79-9
FLUORINE, ISOTOPE OFMASS 18, AT.
Hydrofluoric acid, technical grade, 68.0%
NS00076201
Q2468
Hydrofluoric acid, with more than 60% strength
Hydrofluoric acid, with not more than 60% strength
Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous [UN1052] [Corrosive]
Hydrofluoric acid, for ultratrace analysis, 47-51% (T)
Hydrofluoric acid, 48 wt. % in H2O, >=99.99% trace metals basis
Hydrofluoric acid, electronic grade,49wt. % in H2O,99.99998%metals basis
Hydrofluoric acid, puriss. p.a., reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., >=40%
Hydrofluoric acid, semiconductor grade VLSI PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17601)
Hydrofluoric acid, with more than 60% strength [UN1790] [Corrosive]
Hydrofluoric acid, with not more than 60% strength [UN1790] [Corrosive]
Hydrofluoric acid, p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., 48.0-51.0%
Hydrofluoric acid, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. ISO, reag. Ph. Eur., >=48%
Hydrofluoric acid, semiconductor grade MOS PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17928), 49.5-50.5%
Hydrofluoric acid, semiconductor grade PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17735), 40-41%
12381-92-9