Key Points/Overview
Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless chemical made of a hydrogen atom and a fluorine atom. When dissolved in water it is called hydrofluoric acid.
As much as 60 percent of hydrogen fluoride in industrial settings is used to make refrigerants. It is used in manufacturing silicon semiconductor chips and as a catalyst in oil refineries to make high-octane gasoline as well as to power nuclear reactors.
Due to its strong corrosive qualities, a diluted form of hydrofluoric acid is used in some commercial automotive cleaners, rust and stain removers and water-spot removers.
Care should be taken when using commercially available products containing hydrofluoric acid. OSHA has set guidlines and permissible exposure limits for workers in industries and facillities where hydrogen fluoride substances are used.
Uses & Benefits
Industrial/Manufacturing Uses
Hydrogen fluoride is used to make refrigerants, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, stainless steel kitchen products, aluminum, plastics, electrical components and incandescent light bulbs (electric light with a wire filament, used in appliances, incubators, portable lighting). Sixty percent of the hydrogen fluoride used in manufacturing is for processes to make refrigerants used in refrigeration, freezer and air conditioning systems.
In laboratories and industrial settings, hydrofluoric acid can be used for etching glass and enamel, removing rust, and cleaning brass and crystal. It also is used in manufacturing silicon semiconductor chips. Hydrogen fluoride also is used as an alkylation catalyst in oil refineries to make high-octane gasoline as well as power nuclear reactors.
Cleaners and Rust Removers
Due to its strong corrosive qualities, a diluted form of hydrofluoric acid is used in some commercial automotive cleaners, rust and stain removers and water-spot removers.
Safety Information
Due to its strong corrosive qualities, a diluted form of hydrofluoric acid is used in some commercial automotive cleaners, and rust and stain removers. Care should be taken when using commercially available products containing hydrofluoric acid, and safety instructions on labels should always be followed. Skin contact or inhalation of hydrofluoric acid can cause moderate to severe health effects.
Hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid must be used and handled in accordance with applicable risk management practices. The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has set guidelines and permissible exposure limits for workers in industries and facilities where hydrogen fluoride substances are used. The OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit) is 3 parts per million, averaged over an 8 hour work shift.
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