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.