Hydrofluoric Acid

HF

IUPAC: Hydrogen fluoride

CAS: 7664-39-3

Overview

Hydrofluoric acid is unique among hydrohalic acids — it is weak but extremely dangerous. It can dissolve glass and penetrate skin to attack bone calcium.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Fluorine F 1 18.9980

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
5.0%
F
Fluorine ×1
94.9%

Uses

  • • Glass etching
  • • Semiconductor cleaning
  • • Fluorocarbon production

Fun Facts

  • ✦ HF is a weak acid (pKa 3.17) despite fluorine being the most electronegative element — due to the extremely strong H-F bond

Safety

  • ⚠ Extremely toxic
  • ⚠ Penetrates skin
  • ⚠ Causes calcium depletion in bones
  • ⚠ Contact can be fatal

Structure

SMILES

F

Properties

Type
acid
State
gas
Molar Mass
20.01 g/mol
Density
0.0012 g/cm³
Melting Point
-83.6 °C
Boiling Point
19.5 °C
Solubility
Miscible

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
20.0062
XLogP
0.6
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
1
Complexity
0.0

Related Compounds

Acetic Acid

CH₃COOH

Boric Acid

H₃BO₃

Carbonic Acid

H₂CO₃

Chloric Acid

HClO₃

Chlorosulfonic Acid

ClSO₃H

Chlorous Acid

HClO₂

Hydrobromic Acid

HBr

Hydrochloric Acid

HCl

Hydrogen Cyanide

HCN

Hydrogen Sulfide

H₂S

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrofluoric Acid?
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is a acid compound with the IUPAC name Hydrogen fluoride.
What is the molecular weight of Hydrofluoric Acid?
Hydrofluoric Acid has a molar mass of 20.01 g/mol.
What state is Hydrofluoric Acid at room temperature?
Hydrofluoric Acid is a gas at room temperature.
Is Hydrofluoric Acid organic or inorganic?
Hydrofluoric Acid is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Hydrofluoric Acid?
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Fluorine (F).