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Chemical Datasheet

HYDROFLUOROSILICIC ACID (25% OR LESS)

8 - Corrosive

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 16961-83-4
  • 1778
  • Corrosive
  • HFS
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • FLUOROSILICIC ACID
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
Colorless to straw yellow liquid with a slightly acrid odor. Transported in special plastic bottles because material attacks glass.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. 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. For electric vehicles or equipment, 147 Polymerizable warning (lithium ion batteries) or 138 Polymerizable warning (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Acute contact will cause severe eye and skin burns. Acute vapor exposure may cause eye and skin irritation. Chronic exposure may cause osteofluorosis and respiratory imipairment. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
HYDROFLUOROSILICIC ACID (25% OR LESS) can react with strong acids (such as sulfuric acid) to release fumes of toxic hydrogen fluoride. Attacks glass and materials containing silica. Reacts exothermically with chemical bases (examples: amines, amides, inorganic hydroxides). Reacts with active metals, including iron and aluminum to dissolve the metal and liberate hydrogen and/or toxic gases. Can initiate polymerization in certain alkenes. Reacts with cyanide salts and compounds to release gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases are also often generated by reactions with dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, nitriles, sulfides, and weak or strong reducing agents. Additional gas-generating reactions may occur with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), and carbonates. Can catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. Decomposes when heated to the boiling point to produce very toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride gas.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 154 Polymerizable warning [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Avoid direct contact between water and acid.

Fire Extinguishing Agents: Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide or water spray on adjacent fires. (USCG, 1999)
Non-Fire Response
Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Lime. (USCG, 1999)
Protective Clothing
Wear full impervious protective clothing and approved respirator. Where splashing is possible wear full face shield or chemical safety goggles. Use approved respirator to protect against vapors. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)
Chemical CAS Number State QS QC SL C3 TF TP RC TK RF
Fluorosilicic acid (33-35%) 16961-83-4 Liquid >480 >480 >480 >480 >480 >480
> indicates greater than.

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

First Aid
Get medical attention.

INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

EYES: Flush with water for at least 15 min., lifting lids occasionally.

SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Flush with water.

INGESTION: Dilute with milk, lime water, or aluminum hydroxide. (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • H2SiF6 (aqueous)
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 1.25 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: Decomposes. (USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight: 144.08 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Silicofluoric acid; (Fluorosilicic acid) (16961-83-4) 9.5 mg/m3 110 mg/m3 630 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names