Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) / Hydrofluoric Acid — properties & hazards overview
Boiling point (HF)
~ 19.5 °C
Water interaction
Very high (forms HF(aq))
Vapour density (air=1)
~ 0.9 (near air)
Flammability
Non-flammable
Toxicity
systemic fluoride
Flammability
not flammable
Chronic risk
fluorosis; delayed injury
Environmental
fluoride discharge
| Property | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Physical state | Colourless gas/fuming liquid near ambient; strong, irritating odour |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water → hydrofluoric acid (strongly corrosive) |
| Reactivity | Attacks glass, silica, many metals; forms metal fluorides; penetrates tissues |
| Uses | Etching, metal pickling, electronics, fluorochemicals |
*Values indicative; HF hazards require specialised procedures and medical readiness.