Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
HF + NaOH → NaF + H2O
Overview
Hydrofluoric acid, despite being a weak acid (Ka = 6.8 × 10⁻⁴), reacts completely with sodium hydroxide to form sodium fluoride and water. HF is unusually dangerous among weak acids because it penetrates skin and causes deep tissue burns by binding calcium ions in bones. The high heat of neutralization reflects the strong H-F bond.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Hydrofluoric Acid HF | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Sodium fluoride from this reaction is the form of fluoride added to municipal water supplies and toothpaste for dental protection.
Industrial Importance
HF is essential for glass etching, semiconductor manufacturing, petroleum refining, and uranium processing. Its safe handling requires specialized training.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -68.6 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: HF + NaOH → NaF + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Hydrofluoric Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -68.6 kJ/mol.