Neutral ammonium fluoride is a highly soluble inorganic fluoride salt widely used in glass treatment, metal processing, chemical synthesis, and laboratory applications.
Neutral ammonium fluoride provides an efficient source of fluoride ions for industrial formulations, surface treatment processes, and the production of specialty fluoride compounds.
Neutral ammonium fluoride's consistent composition, good water solubility, and broad technical versatility make Neutral ammonium fluoride suitable for many chemical and manufacturing processes.
CAS Number: 12125-01-8
EC Number: 235-185-9
Chemical Formula: NH4F
Molar Mass: 37.037 g/mol
Synonyms: Neutral ammonium fluoride, 12125-01-8, Neutral ammonium fluoride ((NH4)F), Fluoruro amonico, Ammonium fluorure, Neutral Neutral ammonium fluoride, fluorure d'ammonium neutre, Fluorek amonowy, 4QT928IM0A, DTXSID6050463, CHEBI:66871, RefChem:5548, DTXCID6029464, 235-185-9, NH4F, azanium;fluoride, ammonium monofluoride, Fluorek amonowy [Polish], Ammonium fluorure [French], Fluoruro amonico [Spanish], fluorure d'ammonium neutre [French], CCRIS 2285, HSDB 6287, EINECS 235-185-9, UN2505, UNII-4QT928IM0A, ammonia hydrofluoride, EC 235-185-9, Neutral ammonium fluoride [MI], Neutral ammonium fluoride [HSDB], (N H4) F, AKOS015833199, Neutral ammonium fluoride [UN2505] [Poison], NS00085690, Neutral ammonium fluoride, electronics grade 99.99%, Neutral ammonium fluoride, trace metals grade 99.99%
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a white crystalline solid.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is soluble in water.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is noncombustible.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is corrosive to aluminum.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is used in chemical analysis, in brewing, and as a preservative for wood.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a fluoride salt having ammonium (NH4+) as the counterion.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a fluoride salt and an ammonium salt.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is an inorganic fluoride salt with the chemical formula NH4F, typically supplied as a white or colorless crystalline solid.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is highly soluble in water and serves as an effective source of fluoride ions in many industrial, laboratory, and chemical processing applications.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is widely used in glass etching and surface treatment, metal processing, chemical synthesis, analytical applications, and the manufacture of various fluoride-containing compounds.
Neutral ammonium fluoride can also be used in specialized cleaning, polishing, and surface preparation processes where fluoride activity is required.
Neutral ammonium fluoride's good water solubility allows easy incorporation into aqueous formulations and process solutions.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is valued for its consistent chemical composition, effective fluoride availability, and versatility across different technical applications.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a white crystalline solid soluble in water.
Neutral ammonium fluoride adopts the wurtzite crystal structure and forms mixed crystals similar to ice.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is also known for its use as an energetic fluorinating agent and finds application in the field of solar cells and batteries.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is the inorganic compound with the formula NH4F.
Neutral ammonium fluoride crystallizes as small colourless prisms, having a sharp saline taste, and is highly soluble in water.
Like all fluoride salts, Neutral ammonium fluoride is moderately toxic in both acute and chronic overdose.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a versatile chemical compound widely recognized for its applications in various industries, particularly in the fields of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and analytical chemistry.
This white crystalline solid is known for its ability to act as a fluoride source, making it essential in the synthesis of fluorinated compounds.
In the electronics industry, Neutral ammonium fluoride is utilized in the etching process of silicon wafers, enhancing the precision of microfabrication.
Additionally, Neutral ammonium fluoride's role as a reagent in the preparation of fluorinated organic compounds highlights its importance in pharmaceutical research and development.
Moreover, Neutral ammonium fluoride serves as a catalyst in several chemical reactions, providing efficiency and improved yields.
Neutral ammonium fluoride's unique properties, such as solubility in water and the ability to form stable complexes, make it an ideal choice for researchers and industry professionals seeking reliable and effective solutions.
With its diverse applications and benefits, Neutral ammonium fluoride stands out as a crucial compound in advancing technology and innovation across multiple sectors.
Uses of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Neutral ammonium fluoride is used as a fluoride source in a wide range of industrial and laboratory processes.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is commonly applied in glass etching, frosting, and surface treatment, as well as in metal cleaning, pickling, and surface preparation operations.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is also used in chemical synthesis for the production of other fluoride salts and specialty fluorine-containing compounds.
In electronics and semiconductor processing, Neutral ammonium fluoride is employed in certain etching and cleaning formulations.
Neutral ammonium fluoride can also be used in analytical chemistry, laboratory reagents, ceramic processing, and specialized industrial formulations where a soluble fluoride source is required.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is used in etching and frosting glass; as antiseptic in brewing beer; for preserving wood; in printing and dyeing textiles; and as mothproofing agent.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is used as a wet etchant in semiconductor manufacturing at a standard concentration of 40%.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is available principally as a laboratory reagent.
If Neutral ammonium fluoride is needed in large quantities, one mole of aqueous ammonia can be mixed with one mole of the more readily available ammonium bifluoride.
The word "neutral" is sometimes added to "Neutral ammonium fluoride" to represent the neutral salt [NH4]F as opposed to the "acid salt" (NH4HF2).
The acid salt is usually used in preference to the neutral salt in the etching of glass and related silicates.
This property is shared among all soluble fluorides.
For this reason Neutral ammonium fluoride cannot be handled in glass test tubes or apparatus during laboratory work.
Neutral ammonium fluoride is a critical component of buffered oxide etch (BOE), a wet etchant used in microfabrication.
Neutral ammonium fluoride acts as the buffering agent in a solution of concentrated HF, creating an etchant with a more controllable rate of etching (than that of simple concentrated HF solutions).[7]
Neutral ammonium fluoride is also used for preserving wood, as a mothproofing agent, in printing and dyeing textiles, and as an antiseptic in breweries.
Neutral ammonium fluoride can be used:
To modify the interface between the electron transport layer and the perovskite layer of solar cells.
This helps to reduce interfacial defects and charge recombination enhancing power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
As a structure directing agent to prepare electroactive materials for supercapacitors.
To synthesize NiF2/porous carbon (NPC) nanocomposite by a bottom-up method for cathodes of Li-ion battery.
Heat treatment with NH4F produces a high yield of metal fluoride/porous carbon nanocomposites.
Industry Uses:
Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Plating agent
Other
Intermediate
Etching agent
Surface modifier
Cleaning agent
Consumer Uses:
Plating agent
Etching agent
Structure of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Neutral ammonium fluoride adopts the wurtzite crystal structure, in which both the ammonium cations and the fluoride anions are stacked in ABABAB layers, each being tetrahedrally surrounded by four of the other.
There are N−HF hydrogen bonds between the cations and anions.
This structure is very similar to ice, and Neutral ammonium fluoride is the only substance which can form mixed crystals with water.
In terms of liquid and gaseous forms, Neutral ammonium fluoride sublimes when heated—a property common among ammonium salts.
In the sublimation, the salt decomposes to ammonia and hydrogen fluoride; the two gases can still recombine, i.e. the reaction is reversible:
[NH4]F ⇌ NH3 + HF
At elevated pressures, Neutral ammonium fluoride melts near 230 °C.
Reactions of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
On passing hydrogen fluoride gas (in excess) through the salt, Neutral ammonium fluoride absorbs the gas to form the addition compound ammonium bifluoride.
The reaction occurring is:
NH4F + HF → NH4HF2
Polymorphism under non-standard conditions:
Neutral ammonium fluoride (NH4F) exists in several crystalline phases depending on temperature and pressure.
At ambient conditions, Neutral ammonium fluoride's structure is very similar to that of ice, unlike the other ammonium halides (NH4Cl, NH4Br, NH4I), which adopt CsCl-type or NaCl-type structures.
Under high pressure, NH4F increasingly resembles the other ammonium halides.
Neutral ammonium fluoride adopts a cubic CsCl-type phase (phase III), followed at very high pressure by a tetragonal phase (phase VIII), analogous to phases seen in the other halides at much lower pressures.
The transition to phase VIII occurs around 115 GPa in NH4F, roughly an order of magnitude higher than in NH4Cl, NH4Br, or NH4I.
An intermediate tetragonal phase (phase IIIt) appears above about 40 GPa as a precursor to phase VIII.
Stability and Reactivity of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Chemical Stability:
Neutral ammonium fluoride is stable under normal ambient temperatures and recommended storage conditions.
Reactivity:
The substance may react with strong acids and certain incompatible materials.
Conditions to Avoid:
Avoid excessive heat, moisture, and contact with incompatible substances.
Incompatible Materials:
Strong acids, strong bases, oxidizing agents, and glass should be avoided.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Thermal decomposition may produce ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, and nitrogen-containing fumes.
Handling and Storage of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Safe Handling:
Handle in a well-ventilated area and minimize dust generation.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Storage Conditions:
Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Container Requirements:
Store in suitable corrosion-resistant containers and avoid glass containers.
First Aid Measures of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air and obtain medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Wash immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, including beneath the eyelids, and obtain immediate medical attention.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth and seek immediate medical attention.
Firefighting Measures of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use extinguishing media appropriate for the surrounding fire.
Specific Fire Hazards:
Heating or fire conditions may generate irritating or toxic decomposition products.
Protective Equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing.
Firefighting Procedures:
Prevent contaminated firefighting water from entering drains or waterways.
Accidental Release Measures of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Personal Precautions:
Avoid generating or breathing dust and ensure adequate ventilation.
Protective Equipment:
Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent the material from entering drains, surface water, or soil.
Cleanup Methods:
Carefully collect spilled material without generating dust and place it in a suitable closed container for disposal.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Engineering Controls:
Provide adequate general ventilation and local exhaust where dust may be generated.
Eye Protection:
Wear safety glasses or chemical protective goggles.
Hand Protection:
Use suitable chemical-resistant protective gloves.
Skin Protection:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize skin contact.
Respiratory Protection:
Use suitable particulate respiratory protection where ventilation is insufficient or airborne dust may be present.
Occupational Exposure Limit:
Fluoride exposure is commonly controlled at a TWA of 2.5 mg/m³.
Identifiers of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
CAS Number: 12125-01-8
ChEBI: CHEBI:66871
ChemSpider: 23806
ECHA InfoCard: 100.031.975
EC Number: 235-185-9
PubChem CID: 25516
RTECS number: BQ6300000
UNII: 4QT928IM0A
UN number: 2505
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID6050463
InChI: InChI=1S/FH.H3N/h1H;1H3
Key: LDDQLRUQCUTJBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI=1/FH.H3N/h1H;1H3
Key: LDDQLRUQCUTJBB-UHFFFAOYAM
SMILES: [F-].[NH4+]
Product Number: A3484
Purity / Analysis Method : >97.0%
Molecular Formula / Molecular Weight: NH4F = 37.04
Physical State (20 deg.C): Solid
Storage Temperature : Room Temperature (Recommended in a cool and dark place, <15°C)
Store Under Inert Gas: Store under inert gas
Condition to Avoid: Hygroscopic
CAS RN: 12125-01-8
Reaxys Registry Number: 13192588
MDL Number: MFCD00011423
Linear Formula: NH4F
CAS Number: 12125-01-8
Molecular Weight: 37.04
PubChem Substance ID: 24860581
eCl@ss: 38050106
UNSPSC Code: 12352302
NACRES: NA.23
EC Number: 235-185-9
MDL number: MFCD00011423
Assay: ≥99.99% trace metals basis
Form: crystals and lumps
Grade: Extra Pure
Purity: 95%
CAS No.: 12125-01-8
Molecular Formula: NH4F
Molecular Weight: 37.04
H.S. Code: 2826.1990
Shelf Life: 60 Months
Properties of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Chemical formula: NH4F
Molar mass: 37.037 g/mol
Appearance: White crystalline solid
hygroscopic
Density: 1.009 g/cm3
Melting point: 100 °C (212 °F; 373 K) (decomposes)
Solubility in water: 83.5 g/100 ml (25 °C) [1]
Solubility: slightly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in liquid ammonia
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): −23.0×10−6 cm3/mol
Quality Segment: 200
assay: ≥99.99% trace metals basis
form: crystals and lumps
impurities: ≤100 ppm METAL TRACE ANALYSIS (ICP)
SMILES string: N.F
InChI: 1S/FH.H3N/h1H;1H3
InChI key: LDDQLRUQCUTJBB-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular Weight: 37.037 g/mol
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 1
Rotatable Bond Count: 0
Exact Mass: 37.032777294 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 37.032777294 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 1 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 2
Complexity: 0
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 2
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Specifications of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Appearance: White to Almost white powder to crystal
Purity: min. 97.0 %
IR: confirm to structure
Structure of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Crystal structure: Wurtzite structure (hexagonal)
Related compounds of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
Ammonium bifluoride
Other anions:
Ammonium chloride
Ammonium bromide
Ammonium iodide
Other cations:
Sodium fluoride
Potassium fluoride
Names of Neutral Ammonium Fluoride:
IUPAC name:
Neutral ammonium fluoride
Other name:
Neutral Neutral ammonium fluoride