Product Identification

Product Name

Hexafluorophosphoric acid

Synonyms

Hydrogen hexafluorophosphate
Phosphate(1-), hexafluoro-, hydrogen

CAS

16940-81-1

Formula

F6HP

Molecular Weight

145.97

EINECS

241-006-5

RTECS

SY7115000

RTECS Class

Other

Beilstein/Gmelin

17804 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless liquid. The commercial product may have a dark honey color which

Solubility in water

Slowly hydrolyses

Melting Point

31

Density

1.651 g/cm3

Usage

In metal cleaners, electrolytic or chemical polishing agents, for formation of protective coating for metal surfaces.

Vapor Density

5

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Administer milk, calcium gluconate, or calcium lactate to bind fluoride ion in the gastrointestinal tract. Antacids (aluminum and/or magnesium based) should be administered. Iv calcium (gluconate or chloride) and magnesium may be necessary to correct serum deficits of these divalent metals in serious overdosage. Monitor ekg and vital signs.

Inhalation

Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician should examine the area if irritation or pain persists.

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

Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Corrosives area.

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

May cause severe irritation of the respiratory tract with sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath and delayed lung edema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract.

Skin

Causes irritation.

Eyes

Causes irritation.

Ingestion

May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns.

Hazards

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.

EC Risk Phrase

R 23/24/25 35

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 45

UN (DOT)

1782

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.

Respirators

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Exposure Effects

Hyperactive reflexes, painful muscle spasms, weakness and tetanic contractures may be noted due to fluoride induced hypocalcemia. Prenatal fluoride supplementation (2.2 mg NaF or 1 mg fluoride daily) during the last two trimesters of pregnancy has been reported to be safe.

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Neutralize spilled material with crushed limestone, soda ash, or lime.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, and inorganic hydroxides) Reacts with active metals, including such structural metals as aluminum and iron, to release hydrogen, a flammable gas Reacts with cyanide compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide.

Stability

Stable in neutral and alkaline solution 65% solution fuming hexahydrate.

Decomposition

When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride and phosphoxides.

Combustion Products

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Transport Information

UN Number

1782

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

II