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hydrofluoric acid

Also known as: HYDROFLUORIC ACID · Hydrogen fluoride · 7664-39-3 · Fluorhydric acid

CAS No.: 7664-39-3
Formula: FH
Molar mass: 20.0064 g/mol
PubChem CID: 14917

GHS pictograms

Compressed gas

Corrosive

Toxic

Harmful / Irritant

Health hazard

2D structure of hydrofluoric acid — 2D structure · PubChem CID 14917

Summary

hydrofluoric acid (FH), CAS 7664-39-3. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.

Background

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Hazards

Compressed gas (GHS04)

Contents under pressure, may explode if heated.

Corrosive (GHS05)

Attacks skin, eyes and materials.

Toxic (GHS06)

May be fatal even in small doses.

Harmful / Irritant (GHS07)

May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.

Health hazard (GHS08)

Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).

Hazard statements

H300: Fatal if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]
H310: Fatal in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]
H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H318: Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
H280: Contains gas under pressure
H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]
H290: May be corrosive to metals [Warning Corrosive to Metals]
H311: Toxic in contact with skin [Danger Acute toxicity, dermal]
H331: Toxic if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H402: Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]

Storage

Temperature

Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.

Ventilation

Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.

Containers

Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.

Keep away from

Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.

Personal protective equipment

Gloves

Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.

Eye protection

Safety goggles with side shields.

Respirator

A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.

Occupational exposure limits (HSE)

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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)

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Transport

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FDA recalls & enforcement

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Compatibilities

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Practical safety notes

Compressed gas. Secure cylinders upright, protect valves, store in ventilated areas.
Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.

Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.

FAQ

Is hydrofluoric acid flammable?+

hydrofluoric acid (CAS 7664-39-3) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.

What PPE should I wear when handling hydrofluoric acid?+

Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.

How should hydrofluoric acid be stored?+

Store hydrofluoric acid (CAS 7664-39-3) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.

Is hydrofluoric acid dangerous for the environment?+

No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for hydrofluoric acid, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.

Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for hydrofluoric acid?+

Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.

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