Hexafluorophosphoric acid Chemical Properties

Melting point:

10 °C

Density 

1.651 g/mL at 25 °C

storage temp. 

2-8°C

solubility 

reacts with H2O

form 

Fuming Solution

color 

Colorless or slightly colored

Water Solubility 

hydrolyzes slowly

Exposure limits

ACGIH: TWA 0.5 ppm(2.5 mg/m3); Ceiling 2 ppm (Skin)
OSHA: TWA 3 ppm
NIOSH: IDLH 30 ppm(250 mg/m3); TWA 3 ppm(2.5 mg/m3); Ceiling 6 ppm(5 mg/m3)

Stability:

Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

CAS DataBase Reference

16940-81-1(CAS DataBase Reference)

EPA Substance Registry System

Phosphate(1-), hexafluoro-, hydrogen (1:1) (16940-81-1)

Safety Information

Hazard Codes 

T+,T,C

Risk Statements 

26/27/28-35-34-23/24/25-14

Safety Statements 

26-28-36/37/39-45-7/9-36/37

RIDADR 

UN 1782 8/PG 2

WGK Germany 

3

RTECS 

SY7115000

Hazard Note 

Corrosive/Toxic

TSCA 

Yes

HazardClass 

8

PackingGroup 

II

HS Code 

28111990

Hazardous Substances Data

16940-81-1(Hazardous Substances Data)

MSDS

• Language:English Provider:Hexafluorophosphoric acid
• Language:English Provider:SigmaAldrich
• Language:English Provider:ACROS
• Language:English Provider:ALFA

Hexafluorophosphoric acid Usage And Synthesis

Chemical Properties

colourless to slightly brown liquid (aqueous solution)

Uses

Metal cleaners, electrolytic or chemical polishing agents for the formation of protective coatings for metal surfaces, and as a catalyst.

Uses

Hexafluorophosphoric acid is used as a catalyst. It is also used as a metal cleaner and chemical polishing agent for the formation of protective coatings of metal surfaces..

General Description

A clear colorless aqueous solution containing 60 percent hydrogen hexafluorophosphate (HPF6) by mass. Density 1.65 g / cm3. Corrosive to metals and tissue.

Air & Water Reactions

Fumes in air. Soluble in water with release of heat.

Reactivity Profile

Hexafluorophosphoric acid reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, and inorganic hydroxides). These reactions can generate dangerously large amounts of heat in small spaces. Dilution may generate significant heat. Reacts with active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas. Can initiate the polymerization of certain alkenes. Reacts with cyanide compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Generates flammable and/or toxic gases in contact with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and carbonates. May catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

Hazard

Strong irritant to tissue.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

Hexafluorophosphoric acid(16940-81-1)Related Product Information

• Citric acid
• Sodium hexafluorophosphate
• Lithium hexafluorophosphate
• Ammonium hexafluorophosphate
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Hydrogen
• Stearic acid
• Potassium hexafluorophosphate
• Ethyl 2-(Chlorosulfonyl)acetate
• Folic acid
• HEXAFLUOROACETYLACETONE
• Sodium hexafluoroantimonate
• Calcium hexafluorophosphate
• Hexafluoropropylene
• Barium hexafluorophosphate
• Magnesium Hexafluorohospate
• Ascoric Acid
• Fluoro-N,N,N',N'-tetramethylformamidinium hexafluorophosphate