There are a great many different acids in nature. Some of them are organic, others are inorganic. Hydrofluoric acid belongs to the inorganic class. She has several more names - hydrofluoric, hydrofluoric, hydrofluoride. What is this substance? What are the properties of hydrofluoric acid?
Hydrofluoric acid: physical and chemical properties
Hydrofluoric acid is a liquid substance, easily mobile, has a rather pungent odor, has a pungent taste (reminiscent of concentrated acetic acid). Hydrofluoric acid is weak (the strength of acids is determined by the dissociation constant, for a given substance this value is 6.810-4). Due to the fact that this acid interacts intensively with glass (more precisely, silicon oxide), storage is provided in polyethylene bottles (containers).
For hydrofluoric acid, reactions with metals are characteristic, resulting in the formation of s alts of these metals, called fluorides.
Storage conditions and precautions
Fluoric acid can be stored not only in polyethylene containers, but also in paraffin, vinyl chloride, platinum and fluoroplast. Storage in organic glass vessels is also possible. Large volumes of acid are stored in sealed steel tanks. Work with this substance is necessarily carried out with the exhaust unit turned on, and the draft must be very, very good. The use of rubber gloves is also mandatory. In the event of an acid fire, it can be extinguished with water. If there are vapors (hydrogen fluoride gaseous) in the air, it is imperative to use a gas mask.
Applications
Hydrofluoric acid is used as a catalyst for processes (hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, alkylation), for the dissolution of certain metals and the destruction of rocks (silicate). Also used in electrode welding or submerged arc welding (the lubricant contains fluorine compounds, including hydrofluoric acid). Hydrofluoric acid is used in the production of fluorosulfonic acid and in the production of fluorine.
Toxic properties of hydrofluoric acid
The acid in question is a highly toxic substance. It has a narcotic effect, albeit a weak one. It has an irritating effect on the skin, respiratory organs, and mucous membranes. The special danger of hydrofluoric acid lies in the delay of its action, that is, when the acid gets on the skin, a person does not experience any sensations,it penetrates the skin, and then not only causes a chemical burn, but also swelling, pain, and poisoning. Symptoms may begin a day after exposure to hydrofluoric acid. The hazard class was assigned to it the second, that is, it belongs to the class of highly hazardous substances.
To prevent any kind of dangerous consequences of working with hydrofluoric acid, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for its operation.
Acid Hazard Classes: Some Examples
Acids can be called perhaps the most dangerous class of chemicals. They not only have a clear negative effect (burns, irritations), but are also poisonous, toxic substances. There is a certain division of substances into hazard classes:
- 1st hazard class - substances are extremely dangerous. This class includes some acids, among which terephthalic.
- 2nd hazard class - high hazard substances. Not only hydrofluoric acid belongs to this class, but also sulfuric.
- 3rd hazard class - moderately hazardous substances. Nitric acid is an example of this class of substances, as well as hydrochloric acid and some others.
- 4th hazard class - low-hazard substances. This class includes carbon dioxide.
That's why there are strict rules for working with this or that substance, which should not be violated. As long as you value your he alth.
