Click to enlarge
Back to products Back to products

Hydrofluoric Acid 10% Solution, 500 mL

$49.50
Add to wishlist
Add to compare
SKU: ZH0624-16
California prop 65
Description
  • What it is. This hydrofluoric acid solution is a dilute 10% HF solution (10-1 v/v), supplied in a 500 mL size. It is a clear, colorless acid used when HF etching is needed at a lower, more controllable strength than the 49% concentrate.
  • Understanding the label. Lab Pro lists this product as 10% (10-1 v/v). Confirm the exact basis on the label or certificate before calculating molarity or substituting it into a method, since a 10% solution and a 10:1 volume ratio describe different strengths.
  • How hydrofluoric acid behaves. Unlike hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid in the sense of dissociation, with a pKa of about 3.17. Its danger comes from the fluoride ion, which penetrates skin, binds calcium and magnesium in tissue, and causes deep, delayed injury and systemic toxicity.
  • Why HF etches glass. Hydrofluoric acid reacts with silicon dioxide to form soluble silicon fluorides, dissolving glass, quartz, and silicate minerals that other acids cannot attack. That's why it's used for glass etching, oxide removal, and silicate digestion.
  • Why a dilute 10% solution. Dilute HF gives slower, more controllable etching for oxide removal, glass frosting, and surface cleaning, and it reduces fuming compared with 49% acid. It still carries the full systemic hazards of fluoride, so every HF precaution applies. For stronger acid, see Lab Pro's Hydrofluoric Acid 49% ACS and the buffered Hydrofluoric Acid 6:1.
  • Compatible labware. HF attacks glass, so store and handle it only in polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer labware. Keep it away from metals and ceramics.
  • First aid readiness. Every lab using HF needs calcium gluconate gel within reach and a written response plan. After skin contact, rinse with water and apply calcium gluconate gel immediately, then seek medical care even if pain is mild. Lab Pro offers Calgonate 2.5% Calcium Gluconate Gel.
  • Where it is used. Dilute hydrofluoric acid is used to remove silicon dioxide and clean wafers, etch glass and quartz, digest silicate minerals, clean and pickle stainless steel and titanium, and prepare samples for trace analysis.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Name Hydrofluoric acid, aqueous solution
CAS Numbers 7664-39-3 (hydrogen fluoride); 7732-18-5 (water)
Synonyms Hydrogen fluoride solution, fluoric acid, HF
Formula (active) HF
Molecular Weight (active) 20.01 g/mol
Concentration 10% (labeled 10% (10-1 v/v)); confirm basis
pKa (HF) About 3.17
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Compatible Labware Polyethylene, polypropylene, fluoropolymer
Hazard Profile Fatal or toxic by skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion; causes severe burns (concentration-dependent)
DOT (HF solutions) UN1790, Hydrofluoric acid, Class 8 (6.1)
Exposure Limits (HF) OSHA PEL 3 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 3 ppm TWA, 6 ppm ceiling (15 min)
First Aid Requirement Calcium gluconate gel on hand
Package Size 500 mL (16 oz)

Applications / Common Uses

  • Oxide removal: Strips silicon dioxide in wafer and device processing.
  • Glass and quartz etching: Frosts and etches silicate surfaces.
  • Silicate digestion: Dissolves silicate minerals for analysis.
  • Metal cleaning: Pickles stainless steel and titanium.
  • Trace analysis prep: Supports digestion of silica-containing samples.

Storage, Handling & Shipping

Caution: Hydrofluoric acid is acutely toxic and corrosive at any concentration. Skin contact may cause delayed, deep tissue injury and potentially fatal systemic fluoride poisoning, sometimes without immediate pain. Handle only in a fume hood with HF-rated gloves, a face shield, goggles, and an apron, and keep calcium gluconate gel within reach.

Store tightly closed in polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer containers in a cool, ventilated, locked corrosives area, away from glass, ceramics, metals, bases, and oxidizers. Clearly label storage areas, restrict access to trained users, and keep calcium gluconate gel and an HF-specific spill kit nearby.

  • Incompatible materials: Glass, ceramics, concrete, metals, bases, and oxidizers.
  • Exposure limits (hydrogen fluoride): OSHA PEL 3 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 3 ppm TWA, 6 ppm ceiling.
  • Spill response: Evacuate, ventilate, and neutralize with an HF-specific spill kit or calcium-based absorbent. Do not use silica-based absorbents.
  • First aid: Skin: rinse with water, apply calcium gluconate gel, and seek emergency care. Eyes: flush for 15 minutes and seek immediate care.

Related Categories & Services

Related Articles

Reviews

FAQs

Is 10% hydrofluoric acid safer than concentrated HF?

It fumes less and etches more slowly, but it is not safe. Fluoride still penetrates skin and can cause deep, delayed burns and systemic poisoning, sometimes with little initial pain. All HF precautions apply, including HF-rated gloves, a face shield, and calcium gluconate gel within reach.

What does 10% (10-1 v/v) on the label mean?

The listing combines a percentage and a volume ratio, which can describe different strengths. Check the product label or certificate to confirm the exact concentration basis before calculating molarity or substituting it into a method. Ask Lab Pro if the documentation is unclear. Do not assume either basis.

Why can't hydrofluoric acid be stored in glass?

Hydrofluoric acid reacts with silicon dioxide, the main component of glass, forming soluble silicon fluorides. A glass container would be etched and could eventually fail. Store and handle HF only in polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer containers and labware. Glass can etch quickly, and leaking acid creates a serious exposure risk.

What should I do after skin contact with HF?

Rinse the area with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, and immediately massage calcium gluconate gel into the skin. Seek emergency medical care even if pain seems minor, and tell responders that the exposure involved hydrofluoric acid, since specialized treatment may be needed. Keep the gel within reach.

What is dilute hydrofluoric acid used for?

It removes silicon dioxide from wafers, etches and frosts glass and quartz, digests silicate minerals for analysis, and pickles stainless steel and titanium. The dilute strength gives more controllable etching than 49% acid for many surface and cleaning applications. Use HF only with documented training and procedures.