Hydrofluoric acid

Hydrofluoric acid (pronunciation: hy·dro·flu·o·ric acid) is a solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. It is a colorless fuming liquid which can cause severe burns on contact.

Etymology

The term "Hydrofluoric acid" is derived from the Greek word 'hydro' meaning water, and 'fluoric' which is derived from the Latin word 'fluere' meaning to flow. The term 'acid' comes from the Latin word 'acidus' or 'acere' which means sour.

Properties

Hydrofluoric acid is a highly corrosive acid, capable of dissolving many materials, especially oxides. Its ability to dissolve glass has been known since the 17th century, even before Carl Wilhelm Scheele prepared it in large quantities in 1771.

Uses

Hydrofluoric acid has a variety of uses in industry and research. It is used to etch glass and enamel, to remove oxide impurities from silicon in the production of semiconductors, in the production of fluorocarbons, and in the refining of high-octane petroleum.

Safety

Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can cause severe health effects, including burns, pulmonary edema, and even cardiac arrest. It is important to handle this substance with extreme care, using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrofluoric acid
Wikipedia's article - Hydrofluoric acid

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Hydrofluoric acid