Product Identification

Product Name

Aluminum fluoride

Synonyms

Aluminum trifluoride
Trifluoroalumane

CAS

7784-18-1

Formula

AlF3

Molecular Weight

83.97

EINECS

232-051-1

RTECS

BD0725000

RTECS Class

Primary Irritant

Merck

12,351

Beilstein/Gmelin

1648 (G)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Odorless white powder or granules..

Solubility in water

5.5 g/L

Melting Point

1040

Vapor Pressure

16.4 (1100 C)

Density

2.88 g/cm3

Usage

In ceramics, as flux in metallurgy, in aluminum mfr, inhibitor of fermentation, catalyst in organic reactions.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid. Do NOT induce vomiting. If conscious and alert, rinse mouth and drink 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water.

Inhalation

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration.

Skin

Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.

Eyes

Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Do not store in glass. Store under argon.

Handling

Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Use with adequate ventilation. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes respiratory tract irritation. 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 skin irritation.

Eyes

Contact with eyes may cause severe irritation, and possible eye burns. May cause chemical conjunctivitis.

Ingestion

May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts of fluoride may include salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, labored breathing. Inorganic fluorides can be harmful. Acute exposure to fluorine compounds can lead to digestive tract burns, and abdominal pain. Exposure to fluoride compounds can result in systemic toxic effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. It may also deplete calcium levels in the body leading to hypocalcemia and death. Contains fluoride. Fluoride can reduce calcium levels leading to fatal hypocalcemia. Aluminum may be readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Hazards

Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

UN (DOT)

1759

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause fluorosis with skeletal abnormalities. Effects may be delayed. Chronic exposure to fluoride compounds may cause systemic toxicity.

Exposure limit(s)

T:V (as F) 2.5 mg/m3 (ACGIH 1999)

Poison Class

3

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. To extinguish fire use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or appropriate foam.

Fire Potential

Nonflammable.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Avoid runoff into storm sewers and ditches which lead to waterways. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Incompatibilities

Acids, glass.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Decomposition

Hydrogen fluoride, aluminum oxide.

Combustion Products

When heated to sublimation condition, emits toxic fumes of fluoride

Transport Information

UN Number

1759

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

I; II; III