1341-49-7

Air & Water Reactions

Dissolves in water and forms a weak solution of hydrofluoric acid.

Reactivity Profile

AMMONIUM BIFLUORIDE reacts violently with bases. In presence of moisture will corrode glass, cement, and most metals. Flammable hydrogen gas may collect in enclosed spaces. Do not use steel, nickel, or aluminum containers [USCG, 1999].

Hazard

Corrosive to skin.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

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.

Flammability and Explosibility

Nonflammable

Safety Profile

Caustic poison and strong irritant by all routes. See also HYDROFLUORIC ACID. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of F-, NO,, and NH3.

Potential Exposure

It is used as a sterilizer, in dairy and brewery operations; in the ceramic, glass, and electroplating industries; as a laundry sour.

Shipping

Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. In the presence of moisture corrodes concrete, metals, glass.

Waste Disposal

May be buried in a specially designated chemical landfill. Aqueous wastes may be reacted with an excess of lime followed by lagooning and either recovery or land disposal of the separated calcium fluoride.

Physical properties

Orthorhombic or tetragonal crystals; etches glass; deliquescent; density 1.50 g/cm3; refractive index 1.390; melts at 125.6°C; very soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol.

General Description

Ammonium bifluoride solution is the white crystalline solid dissolved in water. Ammonium hydrogen difluoride is corrosive to metals and tissue. Ammonium hydrogen difluoride is used in ceramics.