Ammonium Fluoride 97%

Ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) is an inorganic compound with a range of industrial and laboratory applications. Here's a comprehensive overview:  

Chemical and Physical Properties:

• Appearance:
  • It typically appears as a white crystalline solid.  
  • It can also form colorless prisms.  
• Solubility:
  • Highly soluble in water.  
  • Slightly soluble in alcohol.  
  • Insoluble in liquid ammonia.  
• Chemical Formula: NH₄F  
• Molar Mass: 37.037 g/mol
• Crystal Structure:
  • Adopts a wurtzite crystal structure.
  • Forms mixed crystals with water, similar to ice.
• Stability:
  • It sublimes when heated, decomposing into ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen fluoride (HF). This reaction is reversible.
  • It is deliquescent, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
• Corrosivity:
  • It is corrosive, especially to aluminum.
  • It is also corrosive to glass. 

Key Characteristics and Reactions:

• Decomposition:
  • Upon heating, ammonium fluoride decomposes:
    • NH₄F ⇌ NH₃ + HF

      
• Formation of Ammonium Bifluoride:
  • In the presence of excess hydrogen fluoride, it forms ammonium bifluoride (NH₄HF₂):
    • NH₄F + HF → NH₄HF₂ 

     
• Hazardous nature:
  • It is a toxic substance.
  • It's solutions are acidic.
  • It must be handled with care.

Applications:

• Glass Etching:
  • Used for etching glass and related silicates.
  • A key component in buffered oxide etch (BOE), used in microfabrication.
• Metal Treatment:
  • Used in metal cleaning and processing.
• Wood Preservation:
  • Acts as a wood preservative.
• Textile Industry:
  • Used in printing and dyeing textiles.
• Other Uses:
  • Mothproofing agent.
  • Antiseptic in breweries.
  • Used in the manufacture of other fluoride containing compounds.
  • Used in some oil drilling applications.
  • Application in solar cells, and battery technologies.

Safety Considerations:

• Toxicity:
  • Ammonium fluoride is toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.
  • Exposure can cause severe irritation and burns to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
  • High exposure can lead to fluoride poisoning.
• Handling Precautions:
  • Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection.
  • Work in well-ventilated areas.
  • Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
  • Do not ingest.
  • Store in appropriate containers, away from incompatible materials.