Chemical Type(s)
Location(s)
- Chicago
Description
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive and extremely dangerous acid. It is a clear, colorless liquid or gas with a pungent, irritating odor. It must be handled with extreme caution by trained professionals only. Its ability to dissolve glass and react with many other materials makes it uniquely useful in certain industrial applications.
Key Uses:
Etching Glass: Used to etch glass for decorative purposes, industrial applications (e.g., calibration marks on labware), and semiconductor manufacturing. This is a highly specialized application requiring strict safety protocols.
Metal Cleaning and Pickling: Used to remove oxides and other impurities from metal surfaces, particularly in specialized industrial cleaning.
Industrial Processes: Used in various industrial processes, including:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Used in well acidizing to dissolve rock formations and enhance oil and gas flow. This is a specialized application carried out by trained service companies.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Used in the production of various fluorine-containing compounds.
Other Applications: Used in certain specialized cleaning applications, but extreme caution is required.
Packaging: Hydrofluoric acid is typically packaged in specialized, non-reactive containers designed to withstand its corrosive nature.