Industrial and Commercial Uses of Hydrofluoric Acid
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly corrosive, toxic, and volatile solution of hydrogen fluoride in water. Despite its dangerous nature, HF is widely used in numerous industrial, scientific, and manufacturing processes due to its unique ability to dissolve silicates, oxides, and metals. Chemical Properties of Hydrofluoric Acid Hydrofluoric acid exhibits several distinct chemical and physical properties: Formula: HF (in aqueous solution) Molar Mass: 20.006 g/mol Appearance: Colorless liquid or gas with a strong, pungent odor Boiling Point: 19.5°C (for anhydrous HF) Solubility: Completely miscible with water, producing highly exothermic reactions Corrosiveness: Attacks glass, metals, and organic materials Toxicity: Extremely dangerous upon inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact Industrial and Commercial Uses of Hydrofluoric Acid 1. Glass Etching and Frosting Hydrofluoric acid is a crucial etching agent used in the glass industry to create decorative or functional designs on g...