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What it is. This hydrofluoric acid solution is a dilute 10% HF solution (10-1 v/v), supplied in a 500 mL size. It is a clear, colorless acid used when HF etching is needed at a lower, more controllable strength than the 49% concentrate.
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Understanding the label. Lab Pro lists this product as 10% (10-1 v/v). Confirm the exact basis on the label or certificate before calculating molarity or substituting it into a method, since a 10% solution and a 10:1 volume ratio describe different strengths.
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How hydrofluoric acid behaves. Unlike hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid is a weak acid in the sense of dissociation, with a pKa of about 3.17. Its danger comes from the fluoride ion, which penetrates skin, binds calcium and magnesium in tissue, and causes deep, delayed injury and systemic toxicity.
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Why HF etches glass. Hydrofluoric acid reacts with silicon dioxide to form soluble silicon fluorides, dissolving glass, quartz, and silicate minerals that other acids cannot attack. That's why it's used for glass etching, oxide removal, and silicate digestion.
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Why a dilute 10% solution. Dilute HF gives slower, more controllable etching for oxide removal, glass frosting, and surface cleaning, and it reduces fuming compared with 49% acid. It still carries the full systemic hazards of fluoride, so every HF precaution applies. For stronger acid, see Lab Pro's Hydrofluoric Acid 49% ACS and the buffered Hydrofluoric Acid 6:1.
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Compatible labware. HF attacks glass, so store and handle it only in polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer labware. Keep it away from metals and ceramics.
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First aid readiness. Every lab using HF needs calcium gluconate gel within reach and a written response plan. After skin contact, rinse with water and apply calcium gluconate gel immediately, then seek medical care even if pain is mild. Lab Pro offers Calgonate 2.5% Calcium Gluconate Gel.
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Where it is used. Dilute hydrofluoric acid is used to remove silicon dioxide and clean wafers, etch glass and quartz, digest silicate minerals, clean and pickle stainless steel and titanium, and prepare samples for trace analysis.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Hydrofluoric acid, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers |
7664-39-3 (hydrogen fluoride); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| Synonyms |
Hydrogen fluoride solution, fluoric acid, HF |
| Formula (active) |
HF |
| Molecular Weight (active) |
20.01 g/mol |
| Concentration |
10% (labeled 10% (10-1 v/v)); confirm basis |
| pKa (HF) |
About 3.17 |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Compatible Labware |
Polyethylene, polypropylene, fluoropolymer |
| Hazard Profile |
Fatal or toxic by skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion; causes severe burns (concentration-dependent) |
| DOT (HF solutions) |
UN1790, Hydrofluoric acid, Class 8 (6.1) |
| Exposure Limits (HF) |
OSHA PEL 3 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 3 ppm TWA, 6 ppm ceiling (15 min) |
| First Aid Requirement |
Calcium gluconate gel on hand |
| Package Size |
500 mL (16 oz) |
Applications / Common Uses
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Oxide removal: Strips silicon dioxide in wafer and device processing.
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Glass and quartz etching: Frosts and etches silicate surfaces.
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Silicate digestion: Dissolves silicate minerals for analysis.
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Metal cleaning: Pickles stainless steel and titanium.
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Trace analysis prep: Supports digestion of silica-containing samples.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: Hydrofluoric acid is acutely toxic and corrosive at any concentration. Skin contact may cause delayed, deep tissue injury and potentially fatal systemic fluoride poisoning, sometimes without immediate pain. Handle only in a fume hood with HF-rated gloves, a face shield, goggles, and an apron, and keep calcium gluconate gel within reach.
Store tightly closed in polyethylene, polypropylene, or fluoropolymer containers in a cool, ventilated, locked corrosives area, away from glass, ceramics, metals, bases, and oxidizers. Clearly label storage areas, restrict access to trained users, and keep calcium gluconate gel and an HF-specific spill kit nearby.
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Incompatible materials: Glass, ceramics, concrete, metals, bases, and oxidizers.
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Exposure limits (hydrogen fluoride): OSHA PEL 3 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 3 ppm TWA, 6 ppm ceiling.
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Spill response: Evacuate, ventilate, and neutralize with an HF-specific spill kit or calcium-based absorbent. Do not use silica-based absorbents.
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First aid: Skin: rinse with water, apply calcium gluconate gel, and seek emergency care. Eyes: flush for 15 minutes and seek immediate care.
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