Bic 11117101 1 26

Basics of Industrial Chemistry
(11117101)
Dr. Kushan Parikh, Assistant Professor
Department of Industrial Chemistry, PIAS
CHAPTER-1
Industrial Acids: HF
HYDROFLUORIC ACID
• Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is an inorganic acid commonly used in many
domestic and industrial settings.
• HF was first used for etching glass due to its corrosive properties,
but currently is also widely used in cleaning agents, rust removers,
in the semiconductor industry, and for manufacturing fertilizer,
pesticides and some plastics.
• Technically, HF is a weak acid when compared with other hydrogen
halide acids, meaning the molecule does not strongly dissociate into
hydrogen and fluorine ions when dissolved in water. In fact, after
being dissolved in water, HF becomes much less dangerous and less
acidic at low concentration (≤20%) . However, at high concentrations
(>20%), small quantities of HF can cause life- threatening burns, and
if the diagnosis is missed or the treatment delayed, the
consequences may be devastating for the patient.
History
• The history of hydrofluoric acid is linked to the
history of fluorine because hydrogen fluoride was
synthesized for the first time by C.W. Scheele from
fluoride and concentrated acid, while trying to
isolate the fluorine atom. On the industrial level,
hydrofluoric acid results from the following
reaction between calcium fluoride (molecular
formula CaF2) and concentrated sulfuric acid, at
250 °C
CaF2 +H2SO4=2HF + CaSO4
Synonym
s
• Hydrogen fluoride (gaseous state)
• Anhydrous hydrofluoric acid (other name of
the gaseous state)
• Hydrofluoric acid (name of aqueous solutions)
• Fluorhydric acid
• Fluoric acid
• HF (using the molecular formula to name the
substance)
Why HF is weak acid?
• Bond between Flourine and Hydrogen is very
strong because of very high electro negativity
difference. That is why Flourine doesn't let
Hydrogen go easily. So extent of donating H+
in is low in HF that is why
considered weakacid. it is It is
as weak based upon its dissociation
classifiedwhen
in solution with water.
Most corrosive acid in world
• HF-SbF5 extremely corrosive, toxic, and
is sensitive. Likemost
acids, strongviolently
fluoroantimonic acid can react
moisture
with water, owing to the exothermic
hydration.
Effect of Concentration
• Low concentration solutions (8-15%) cause little
or no pain on exposure, but can cause delayed
onset of severe pain and after 12-24 hours can
develop signs of tissue corrosion.
• Intermediate concentration solutions (20-40%)
cause pain after exposure and may cause deep
tissue injury.
• High concentration solutions (50-70%)
produce pain immediately after contact and
result in severe tissue injury and systemic
effects.
• The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration HF workplace permissible
exposure limit is 3 ppm in air, while 30 ppm
concentrations are considered dangerous to life
Interesting Fact-1
• There is no concentration of HF which can be
relied upon as safe!
• There is no material that is completely

resistant to HF degradation.
Interesting Facts-2
• HF is extremely corrosive
• HF is extremely systemic toxic
• HF is highly reactive
Classification
Concentration Toxicity
HF >85% ACUTE TOXICITY (oral, dermal and
inhalation) Cat. 1 and 2
SKIN CORROSION Cat 1
HF <60% AND >85% ACUTE TOXICITY (oral, dermal and
inhalation) Cat 1 and 2
SKIN CORROSION Cat 1A
HF <60% HYDROFLUORIC ACID with not more than

60% of hydrogen fluoride Fatal if
swallowed : Fatal in contact with skin
Fatal if inhaled
Causes severe skin burns and eye
damage
Physical Properties
• Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas with a
density of 1.15 g/L at room temperature, or a
colorless liquid (below 20°C) with a density of
0.99 g/mL. Hydrofluoric acid (solution of HF in
water), is a colorless solution. Its
properties (boiling point, melting
physica exact
l point and density) depend on the
concentration of HF in the aqueous solution.
Chemical Properties
• Hydrofluoric acid is a very strong, reactive and
corrosive acid. It readily reacts with bases,
acids, and oxidants. One of its best known
reactions is its corrosive, dissolving effect on
glass and ceramics (called etching). Due to
reactivity towards glass and metals, it is
typically stored in plastic containers.
Industry Uses
Uses of HF
Petrochemical As catalytic agent when alkylising petrol
Glass Glass etching

Medicine Propellant for medication, anaesthetic gases, production of
antibiotics, production and coating of surgical prostheses,
production of medicines
Agrochemical Pesticides
Metallurgy Metal cleaning/aluminium production
electronics Production of microchips, cleaning agents for electronic circuits
Cleaning Agent Rust removers, outer wall cleaners

Nuclear Processing of uranium ore
coolants AC, Refrigerators
Fluoro-chemistry Production of Fluoride salts, and Fluoro plastics
Extinguishing Agent Fire extinguishers
Hazardous Reactions-1
• Risk of explosion in contact with: cyanogen fluoride
(polymerization)
methanesulfonic acid -> oxygen difluoride release
nitric acid + glycerol
Risk of explosion in contact of hydrofluoric acid with:
potassium permanganate
metals
potassium
sodium
The substance can react dangerously with:
ammonia
organic substances
sulfuric acid
acetic anhydride; aminoethanol; ammonium hydroxide;
dry paper; silicon compounds; vinyl acetate
Hazardous Reaction-2
• Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride may react
dangerously with:
arsenic(III)oxide; calcium oxide; metal
oxides
hydrofluoric acid may react dangerously with:
metal silicides; phosphorus pentoxide; bismuth
acid -> oxygen release
fluorine
sodium hydroxide
Glass or quartz get etched.
Hydrofluoric Acid- Symptom Onset
• Concentrations:
● >50% solutions lead to immediate, severe burning pain with
blisters
● 20-50% solutions lead to redness, swelling, and blistering
after 8 hours
● <20% solutions may not produce symptoms for up to
24hours
• Deaths have been reported from burns of less

than 2.5% body surface area.
Caution
• Industrial experience that prompt
treatment,
indicates as described, will prevent
development of serious injury the
• Therefore, speed is essential.
• Delays in decontamination, first aid care or
medical treatment or improper medical
treatment will likely result in greater damage or
may, in some cases, result in a fatal outcome.
• Relief of pain is an important guide to the success
of the treatment; therefore local anesthesia
should be avoided
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Basics of Industrial Chemistry

• There is no material that is completely

• HF is extremely systemic toxic

HF <60% HYDROFLUORIC ACID with not more than

Glass Glass etching

Cleaning Agent Rust removers, outer wall cleaners

• Deaths have been reported from burns of less

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