Fluorine(7782-41-4)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance
Pale yellow liquid, with very pungent odor.
Solubility in water
Reacts
Melting Point
-223
Boiling Point
-188.2
Vapor Pressure
362000 (25 C)
Density
1.32 g/cm3 (-273 C)
Partition Coefficient
1.32
Heat Of Vaporization
6.7 kJ/mol
Usage
Manufacture fluorochemicals & plastics, rocket propellant.
Vapor Density
1.695
Odor threshold
0.035 ppm
First Aid Measures
Ingestion
Seek medical assistance.
Inhalation
Move victim to fresh air. Apply artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; induce artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Effects may be delayed.
Skin
Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists. Direct contact with fluorine liquid may produce frostbite injury.
Eyes
Irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a health care facility.
Handling and Storage
Storage
Protect against physical damage. Isolate from other storage, especially materials with which fluorine is known to react. Keep away from sources of heat and ignition.
Handling
All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.
Hazards Identification
Inhalation
Respiratory tract irritation may progress to pulmonary edema.
Skin
Thermal burns or frostbite may occur.
Eyes
Human volunteers exposed to up to 25 ppm have shown little irritation. Eyelid eczema may occur and attenuation of retinal arteries may result from prolonged exposure. Fluorine is irritating to nasal mucosa.
Hazards
This is a strong oxidizer and will react vigorously or explosively with many materials including fuels. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
UN (DOT)
9192
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Personal Protection
Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.
Respirators
Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Exposure Effects
Both fever and chills have been reported. Lethargy with delayed-onset dyspnea was reported in mice. In one animal study, no malformations were found following injection of fluorine-ion containing dust extracts.
Exposure limit(s)
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m3) NIOSH REL: TWA 0.1 ppm (0.2 mg/m3) NIOSH IDLH: 25 ppm
Poison Class
1
Fire Fighting Measures
Fire Fighting
SMALL FIRES: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand. LARGE FIRES: Water spray, fog (flooding amounts). Do not get water inside containers. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.
Fire Potential
Substance does not burn but will support combustion.
Accidental Release Measures
Small spills/leaks
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. If you have not donned special protective clothing approved for this material, do not expose yourself to any risk of this material touching you. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. A fine water spray remotely directed to the edge of the spill pool can be used to direct and maintain a hot flare fire which will burn the spilled material in a controlled manner. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Ventilate the area.
Stability and Reactivity
Stability
Reactive under confinement.
Incompatibilities
Reacts with arsenic and arsenic trioxide at ordinary temperatures,.
Decomposition
Decomposition water, giving hydrofluoric acid, oxygen fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen and ozone.
Combustion Products
Toxic gases generated in fires involving fluorine.