Chemical laboratory

Ammonium Bifluoride Flakes

High-Purity Etchant for Glass & Metal Applications

  • CAS 1341-49-7
  • Formula NH₄HF₂
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.50 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point N/A (Decomposes) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.50 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility Very soluble in water -
Ph 3.0 - 3.5 (1% solution) -
Molecular weight 57.04 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 126 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Colorless or white deliquescent crystals or flakes -
Odor Acrid odor -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Ammonium bifluoride flakes (NH₄HF₂) are colorless to white deliquescent crystalline flakes with an acrid odor. This highly soluble fluoride salt serves as a versatile industrial chemical, combining the properties of both ammonium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride in a more stable, easier-to-handle form. With a molecular weight of 57.04 g/mol and density of 1.50 g/cm³, ammonium bifluoride offers controlled fluoride ion release for precise etching and cleaning applications across multiple industries.

Key Applications

  • Glass Etching: Creates precise frosted patterns and decorative effects on glass surfaces for architectural and artistic applications
  • Metal Cleaning & Surface Treatment: Removes oxide layers and scales from stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals in manufacturing processes
  • Industrial Etchant: Essential for semiconductor manufacturing and printed circuit board production requiring precise material removal
  • Oil Well Acidizing: Dissolves formation damage and enhances permeability in petroleum extraction operations

Safety & Handling

Ammonium bifluoride requires careful handling due to its corrosive nature and ability to release hydrogen fluoride. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation when handling to prevent inhalation of vapors. The chemical is very soluble in water and produces acidic solutions with a pH of 3.0-3.5. Store away from incompatible materials including strong bases and metals.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store ammonium bifluoride flakes in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers away from moisture due to their deliquescent nature. Maintain storage temperatures below the melting point of 126°C in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep away from incompatible materials such as alkalis, metals, and glass containers. Proper storage ensures long-term stability and prevents decomposition that could compromise product quality.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides reliable supply of Ammonium Bifluoride Flakes from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS, LTL, and FTL to meet your delivery requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance for your operations.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Available Sizes

Ammonium Bifluoride Flakes - 1 Pack (2 lbs.)

1 Pack (2 lbs.)

$25.30

 Ammonium Bifluoride Flakes - 1 Pack (5 lbs.)

1 Pack (5 lbs.)

$48.40

 Ammonium Bifluoride Flakes - 1 Bag (44 lbs.)

1 Bag (44 lbs.)

$209.00
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ammonium bifluoride flakes (NH4HF2) and what are they used for?
Ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) is a white crystalline inorganic salt supplied as flakes that releases fluoride species in aqueous solution. It is used industrially and in laboratories as a fluoride source for glass etching, metal cleaning/pickling, surface preparation and other chemical processes.
How should ammonium bifluoride flakes be stored and what is the typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in the original, tightly closed corrosion‑resistant container away from moisture, acids and alkalis. When kept sealed and dry, typical shelf life is about 1–3 years; verify purity by COA or testing before critical use.
What safety and handling precautions are required for ammonium bifluoride flakes?
Handle as a corrosive fluoride compound using chemical‑resistant gloves, eye/face protection, and protective clothing while minimizing dust generation and providing local exhaust ventilation. Review the supplier SDS, have emergency wash facilities available, and follow prescribed spill and exposure procedures.
How do different concentrations or grades of ammonium bifluoride affect its use?
Products are offered as solid flakes with varying purity grades and as aqueous solutions at different weight percentages; higher fluoride concentration increases corrosivity and reactivity. Select the appropriate grade and concentration based on application needs, materials compatibility and regulatory labeling requirements.
What documentation is provided when I buy ammonium bifluoride flakes?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS), with additional transport or traceability documents available on request. Review the SDS and COA before use for handling, composition and quality confirmation.
How is ammonium bifluoride shipped and what packaging is used?
Ammonium bifluoride is shipped under applicable hazardous materials regulations and is commonly packaged in sealed polyethylene bags, lined fiber drums or plastic drums to prevent moisture ingress. Confirm the specific transport classification, labeling and packaging requirements with your supplier prior to shipment.
What materials are compatible or incompatible with ammonium bifluoride?
Compatible materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE and certain elastomers designed for fluoride service; incompatible materials include glass, silica, ceramics and many metals because fluoride species and hydrofluoric acid attack silicates and some alloys. Always consult the SDS and perform compatibility testing for your application.
What are the typical technical specifications for ammonium bifluoride flakes?
Typical specifications list the chemical formula NH4HF2, appearance as white crystalline flakes, reagent or technical grade purities commonly in the mid‑90s to high‑90s percent range and good solubility in water. For exact impurity limits, particle size and bulk density request the product TDS or COA from the supplier.
Which industries and applications commonly use ammonium bifluoride flakes?
Common industries include metal finishing and electroplating, glass and ceramics etching, surface cleaning and pickling, and laboratories requiring a fluoride source for synthesis and analysis. Regulatory controls and application parameters vary by industry, so confirm suitability and permits for your intended use.
How can I purchase ammonium bifluoride flakes and what should I expect for availability?
Ammonium bifluoride is available in research, technical and bulk industrial quantities with packaging from small bottles to multi‑hundred kilogram drums; availability depends on grade, quantity and local regulations. Lead times range from days for stocked items to weeks for bulk or regulated shipments, and suppliers may request business credentials and end‑use information.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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