Hydrofluoric acid 60%
| Chemical formula | HF |
| Density | ~1.02 g/cm3 (20°C) |
| HS Code | 28111100 |
| Storage | store at +15 to +30 °C |
| SDS | available |
| R phrase | R 26/27/28-35 |
| S phrase | S 7/9-26-28.1-36/37/39-45 |
| Odour | pungent |
| Form | liquid |
| Color | colourless |
| Solubility in water | soluble (20°C) |
| Boiling point | ~ 106 °C |
| Melting point | ~ -35 °C |
| Assay | 58.0 – 62.0 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Chloride | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Hexafluorosilicate | ≤ | 0.01 | % |
| Sulfate | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Sulfite | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0.0005 | % |
| Fe (Iron) | ≤ | 0.001 | % |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ | 0.002 | % |
Hydrofluoric acid 60% is a highly corrosive, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride, widely used in laboratories and industry for its unique ability to dissolve silica and glass. It is a weak acid in terms of dissociation but highly reactive and hazardous.
🏭⚗️ Production
Hydrofluoric acid is produced by reacting calcium fluoride with concentrated sulfuric acid, followed by purification and dilution to the desired concentration. The 60% solution is a common laboratory concentration, balancing reactivity and manageability.
🔬 Properties
The chemical formula is HF with a molar mass of 20.01 g/mol. The 60% solution appears as a clear, pungent liquid that readily penetrates materials such as glass and many metals by forming soluble fluorides. It is highly soluble in water, with strong acidic properties and the ability to etch silica-containing substances.
🧪 Applications
Hydrofluoric acid 60% is extensively used in etching and cleaning of glassware, semiconductor manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and in laboratories for digestion of samples containing silicates. It is also used in pharmaceutical research for certain specialized reactions involving fluorination.
⚠️ Safety
Hydrofluoric acid 60% is extremely dangerous and requires strict safety measures. It can cause severe chemical burns, systemic toxicity, and deep tissue damage that may not be immediately painful. Exposure to vapors can cause respiratory harm. Handling must be done with specialized PPE including acid-resistant gloves, face shields, lab coats, and in fume hoods with proper ventilation. Calcium gluconate gel should be available as an antidote in case of skin exposure. Storage must be in plastic or Teflon containers, away from glass and incompatible substances.
