Fluoroboric Acid, Fluoboric Acid, Hydrogen Tetrafluoroborate, Tetrafluoroboric Acid, 16872-11-0

FLUOROBORIC ACID (HBF₄)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

    Fluoroboric Acid (HBF₄)
    
         F
          \
    H⁺ — B — F⁻
          / \
         F   F

    Tetrafluoroborate Anion (BF₄⁻)
    with Hydronium Ion (H₃O⁺)
    
    [H₃O]⁺ [BF₄]⁻

Molecular Formula: HBF₄
SMILES: [H+].FB-(F)F
InChI: InChI=1S/BF4H/c2-1(3,4)5/h/h1H
Structure: Usually exists as [H₃O]⁺ and [BF₄]⁻ ions in aqueous solution
Lewis Acid: Strong Lewis acid

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF STRONG ACIDS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Reaction of Boric Acid with Hydrofluoric Acid

• Reaction: H₃BO₃ + 4HF → HBF₄ + 3H₂O

• Description: Boric acid is reacted with hydrofluoric acid; Fluoroboric acid and water are formed; The reaction is highly exothermic; Product is obtained as aqueous solution

Method 2: Reaction of Boron Trifluoride with Hydrofluoric Acid

• Reaction: BF₃ + HF → HBF₄

• Description: Boron trifluoride gas is absorbed in hydrofluoric acid; Fluoroboric acid is formed; Used for high-purity production

Method 3: Reaction of Boron Trifluoride with Water

• Reaction: BF₃ + H₂O → HBF₃OH (fluoboric acid); Further reaction with HF yields HBF₄

• Description: Boron trifluoride is reacted with water; Intermediate fluoboric acid is formed; Further reaction with HF yields fluoroboric acid

Method 4: Ion Exchange from Metal Tetrafluoroborates

• Process: Metal tetrafluoroborate + Acid → HBF₄ + Metal salt

• Description: Metal tetrafluoroborate salts are treated with strong acids; Fluoroboric acid is obtained by ion exchange; Used for specialized applications

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (48% SOLUTION)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosion), GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314/H318). Corrosive substance. AVOID skin and eye contact AT ALL COSTS.

• Toxic if swallowed (H301). Toxic if inhaled (H331). AVOID ingestion and inhalation.

• May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Avoid inhalation of vapors/mist.

• Reacts with water forming hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid causes severe burns that may not be immediately painful.

• Reacts with glass. Store in acid-resistant containers (PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene).

• Corrosive to metals. Do not store in metal containers; Reacts with aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and carbon steel.

• Decomposes upon heating releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride gases.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong bases, metals, glass, oxidizing agents, and reducing agents.

• Non-combustible but decomposes at high temperatures releasing toxic and corrosive fumes.

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

• Emergency Contact: In case of exposure, immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Electroplating: Use as electrolyte in metal plating processes; Provides smooth, bright coatings; Effective for tin, lead, copper, and nickel plating; Use appropriate current density and bath temperature.

• Organic Synthesis: Use as catalyst in alkylation, polymerization, and diazonium salt preparation; Strong Lewis acid catalyst; Effective for Friedel-Crafts reactions; Use in well-ventilated fume hoods.

• Glass Etching: Use in glass processing and polishing; Etches glass surfaces; Provides smooth, clear finish; Use appropriate concentration and contact time.

• Ceramic Processing: Use in piezoelectric transducer production; PZT ceramic wet etching; Residue-free etching; Electronic applications.

• Dental Applications: Use for surface treatment of dental implants; Enhances osseointegration; Promotes bone formation; Use appropriate concentration and application time.

• Handling: Use ONLY in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; Use closed systems where possible; Wear acid-resistant protective gloves, goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection; Avoid mist formation.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear acid-resistant gloves (butyl, neoprene, nitrile), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, acid-resistant protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved acid gas respirator (with HF cartridge).

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled acid-resistant containers (PTFE, PE, PP); Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Store separately from bases and combustible materials; Use acid-resistant secondary containment; Store locked up.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE (acid-resistant); Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or lime; Absorb with inert material; Place in properly labeled closed containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Wash spill area with plenty of water after neutralization.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Neutralize before disposal; Fluoroboric acid is regulated as hazardous waste.

SPECIAL NOTE ON GLASS ETCHING:

Fluoroboric acid reacts with glass (silica):

• Reaction: SiO₂ + 4HBF₄ + 2H₂O → SiF₄ + 4HF + H₂SiO₄

• Application: Glass processing and polishing; Optical applications

• Precaution: Do not store in glass containers; Use PTFE, PE, or PP containers

• Effect: Produces smooth, clear glass finish

SPECIAL NOTE ON HYDROFLUORIC ACID FORMATION:

Fluoroboric acid can decompose to form hydrofluoric acid:

• Reaction: HBF₄ → BF₃ + HF (upon heating)

• Hazard: Hydrofluoric acid causes severe burns that may not be immediately painful

• Symptoms: Delayed pain; Deep tissue damage; Systemic toxicity

• Precaution: Use appropriate PPE; Have calcium gluconate gel available; Seek immediate medical attention for any exposure

EMERGENCY RESPONSE:

Skin Contact Emergency:

• Remove contaminated clothing

• Flush with water for 15-20 minutes

• Apply calcium gluconate gel (if HF exposure)

• Seek immediate medical attention

Eye Contact Emergency:

• Flush with water for at least 15 minutes

• Keep eyelids open

• Seek immediate medical attention

Ingestion Emergency:

• Do NOT induce vomiting

• Give milk or water to drink

• Immediately call POISON CENTER/doctor

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.