Ammonium Bifluoride Application

Ammonium Bifluoride,CAS:1341-49-7

Ammonium bifluoride, the acid salt of ammonium fluoride, is an important inorganic fluoride compound. It is widely used for its dual ability to provide both fluoride ions and hydrofluoric acid-like properties. However, it is also highly corrosive and toxic, requiring extreme caution.

Basic Information

IUPAC Name: Ammonium hydrogen difluoride

Common Name: Ammonium bifluoride

Chemical Formula: NH₄HF₂

CAS Number: 1341-49-7

Molecular Weight: 57.04 g/mol

Key Properties

1. Physical Properties: White or colorless transparent rhombic or flaky crystals. Hygroscopic.Pungent, sharp acidic odor.Freely soluble in water, forming a strongly acidic solution. Slightly soluble in ethanol.Relatively stable in dry air, but in moist air or upon contact with water, it releases corrosive hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas.

2. Chemical Properties:

Acidic Etchant: Its aqueous solution dissolves silicon dioxide and silicates, making it capable of etching glass, ceramics, etc.Fluoride Ion Source: Provides highly reactive fluoride ions (F⁻) for synthesizing various fluorides.

Thermal Decomposition: Decomposes upon heating, yielding ammonium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride.

Primary Applications

Its uses are primarily based on its corrosive/etching properties and its role as a fluorinating agent.

1. Glass & Ceramics Industry:

Etching Agent: For chemical etching and frosting of glass (e.g., light fixtures, glassware, instrument scales).

Cleaning Agent: For cleaning ceramic and metal surfaces to remove oxide layers and silicate residues.

2. Metal Surface Treatment:

Aluminum Treatment: Used in pickling or passivation baths for aluminum and its alloys to remove oxide films and improve coating adhesion.

Stainless Steel Pickling: For removing heat scale (e.g., after welding).

Metal Extraction: Used in hydrometallurgy for extracting certain rare metals (e.g., beryllium, uranium).

3. Petrochemical Industry:

As a catalyst or catalyst support precursor (e.g., for fluorinated alumina) in reactions like alkylation and isomerization.

4. Chemical Synthesis:

Production of other fluorides (e.g., aluminum fluoride, cryolite) and fine fluorine-containing chemicals.

5. Disinfection & Preservation:

Historically used as a wood preservative and industrial biocide (use is now restricted due to high toxicity).

Safety & Hazards (Extremely Hazardous)

Ammonium bifluoride is a highly toxic, strongly corrosive substance, with hazards similar to hydrofluoric acid.

Health Hazards:

Corrosivity: Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and digestive system. Pain may not be immediate (delayed onset), allowing fluoride ions to penetrate tissues deeply, bind with calcium and magnesium, and cause tissue necrosis and bone damage. Pain becomes severe and healing is difficult.

Systemic Toxicity: Absorption can lead to hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, potentially causing cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, or cardiac arrest.

Inhalation Hazard: Inhalation of dust or vapors can cause pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis.

Environmental Hazard: Very toxic to aquatic life.

Physical Hazard: May react with certain metals to produce hydrogen gas (flammable/explosive).

Safety Precautions (Highest Level Required)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of full acid-resistant clothing,chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., butyl rubber),splash-proof goggles/face shield, and positive-pressure respiratory protection.

Handling: Must be handled in closed systems within a properly functioning fume hood. Use plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) equipment only. Never use glassware.

Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, dedicated area away from bases, metals, and foodstuffs. Containers must be moisture-proof and corrosion-resistant.

Summary: Ammonium bifluoride (CAS 1341-49-7) is a versatile but extremely hazardous industrial chemical. Its value lies in its powerful etching and fluorinating capabilities, but all operations must be conducted with the highest level of safety awareness and stringent protective measures.Handling ammonium bifluoride should always be considered a high-risk activity.

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