Hydrofluoric acid

Hydrofluoric acid

Fluoride acid; Hydrogen fluoride solution; HF acid; Fluorhydric acid

CAS 7664-39-3

Chemical Formula HF

Molecular Weight 20.01 g/mol

Hydrofluoric acid (HFA) is the inorganic acid of elemental fluorine. Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic acid that can penetrate human tissue, making it extremely dangerous. It is unique among acids because it attacks glass and many other silicates by reacting with silicon dioxide. Safety precautions are critical when handling it due to its ability to cause severe chemical burns and deep tissue damage.

Industrial Uses

1. Chemical Synthesis

  • Production of Fluorocarbons: Hydrofluoric acid is a key precursor in the production of fluorocarbons, including refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which are used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
  • Chemical Manufacturing: It is a key component in the synthesis of various organofluorine compounds, such as fluorocarbons and fluoropolymers. Hydrofluoric acid is also used to produce other chemicals, including aluminum fluoride (AlF₃) and cryolite (Na₃AlF₆), which are used in aluminum refining.

2. Oil & Gas

  • Alkylation Catalyst: Hydrofluoric acid is used as a catalyst in the alkylation process of refining petroleum to produce high-octane gasoline. The alkylation process combines isobutane with olefins (like propylene and butylene) in the presence of Hydrofluoric acid to create alkylate, a key component that enhances gasoline quality.
  • Well Acidizing: It is used in oil and gas extraction for well acidizing processes, where it is pumped into rock formations to dissolve minerals and improve the flow of oil or gas.
  • Cleaning of Oil Refineries: It can be used to clean and treat the equipment in oil refineries, particularly to remove silica and other mineral deposits.

3. Pharmaceuticals

  • Fluorinating Agent: Hydrofluoric acid is used as a source of fluoride ions for various fluorination reactions in pharmaceutical synthesis. It is instrumental in producing a range of fluorine-containing drugs, which often exhibit enhanced biological activity, metabolic stability, and bioavailability.
  • Chemical Intermediate: It is sometimes used in the pharmaceutical industry as a fluorinating agent to produce fluorinated organic compounds, which are important intermediates in drug development and synthesis.

4. Polymers & Resins

  • Manufacture of PTFE (Teflon): Hydrofluoric acid is involved in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known by the brand name Teflon. PTFE is widely used in non-stick coatings for cookware, as well as in chemical-resistant seals, gaskets, and other industrial applications.
  • Fluoropolymer Manufacturing: It is also critical in producing various other fluoropolymers, which are used in a range of applications including electronics, automotive components, and industrial coatings due to their chemical resistance and high durability.

Specifications

Assay Typically ≥ 70% (for 70% solution)
Appearance Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor strong irritating odor
Boiling Point 19.5°C (67.1°F)
Melting Point -83.6°C (-118.5°F)
Density 1.15 g/mL at 25 °C
Solubility Completely miscible with water
Viscosity 0.199 centipoise (cP) at 20°C
Flash Point flammability value of 0

Hazard Symbols

Corrosives
Acute Toxicity
Irritants/Sensitisers/Other Hazards

FAQs

1. What is the current price of Hydrofluoric acid in India?
The price of Hydrofluoric acid can vary based on factors such as purity, quantity, etc. For the most accurate and competitive pricing, please contact us at +91-22-4343 2121 directly for a customized quote tailored to your needs.

2. Where can I buy Hydrofluoric acid in India?
You can purchase Hydrofluoric acid from MULTICHEM, a leading importer with a reputation for quality and reliability. We provide convenient options for bulk orders and direct shipments across India. For more details on how to place an order, please visit our website or contact our sales team.

3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Hydrofluoric acid ?
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Hydrofluoric Acid is designed to cater to both small-scale and large-scale needs. The MOQ depends on the packing size of the product which could range from 25 kg to 250kg.

4. How can I ensure the quality of Hydrofluoric acid supplied by Multichem ?
We adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of purity and effectiveness. They undergo rigorous testing and quality checks to guarantee that they comply with industry specifications. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment to ensure transparency and quality assurance.