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Hydrofluoric acid is a special case of the halogenic acids (HBr, HCl, HI). The other halogenic acids are considered strong acids not because they are more poisonous, more corrosive, or more dangerous, but because they fully dissociate in water (Ionize completely into their respective ions) For example the ionization of HCl in water looks like this. HCl(aq) + H2O(l) _>> H3O+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

The acid ionization for this reaction lies so far to the right that the reverse reaction happens in such small quantities, that we can say the reaction goes to completion at right.

Hydrofluoric acid on the other hand does not reacte in this way. The main reasons are the extreme reactivity of the fluoride ion and and small atomic radius it is not as stable in solution as its other halogenic counterparts. The reaction of HF looks like this.

HF(aq)+ H2O(l) <=> H3O+(aq) + F-(aq)

Because both the forward reaction and reverse reaction can occur at significant enough rates, this acid does not fully dissolve and is considered a weak acid.

The poisonous affects of HF vs HCl has nothing to do with the acidity, but with the toxicity of the fluoride ion produced by HF. If the fluoride ion gets into the bloodstream, it can killl. The fluoride ion is so reactive it pulls calcium out of the bones to form insoluble CaF2. Fluoride is so corrosive that it can even etch glass which is an extremely intert substance.

The chloride ion on the other hand goes through the human system everyday with almost no negative consequences. Common table salt, NaCl is a common source of chloride, even stomach acid consists of hydrochloric acid, it is vital to our digestive system.

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14y ago

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Related Questions

Does HF have a strong base?

Yes, hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid, not a base. It is a weak acid because it dissociates partially in water to release hydrogen ions.


Is a strong acid Noah NH3 HCl Hf?

No, NH3 (ammonia) is a weak base, not a strong acid. HCl (hydrochloric acid) and HF (hydrofluoric acid) are strong acids. Strong acids completely dissociate in water to produce H+ ions, while weak acids only partially dissociate.


What is the compound HF acid?

'HF' is hydrofluoric acid. Corresponding to 'HCl'; hydrochloric acid.


What is the name of an aqueous solution of HF?

The name of HF in solution is hydrofluoric acid.


Hydrofluoric acid chemical formula?

Hyrdofluoric acid has the chemical formula HF. In pure form, it is a gas, but dissolved in water it becomes a weak acid.


Is Hf a hydrofluoric acid?

No. Hf is hafnium. HF is hydrofluoric acid. Capitalization matters when writing chemical formulas.


Is HF a weak acid?

Yes. HF is a weak acid. The HF molecules are stabilized by hydrogen bonding. As such the H+ ions are not released easily and it behaves like a weak acid.


Is HF acidic or basic?

Definitely ACIDIC . It is the corresponding acid to hydrochlorice acid. The halogen acids are HF = hydrofluoric acid HCl = Hydrochloric Acid HBr = hydrobromic acid HI = hydroiodic acid. .


Is HF a weak base?

No, it is a weak acid.Answer:HF (Hydrogen fluoride) or hydrofluoric acid when in soluton is a very corrosive acid.


What is the acidic name for HF?

HF = Hydrofluoric Acid HCl =- Hydrochloric Acid HBr = Hydrobromic Acid HI = Hydroiodic Acid .


What is the Chemical formula of hydrofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid is HF. It is usually aqueous and would thus be H+(aq) F-(aq)


What is the compound name for hydofluoric acid?

Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen and fluoride mixed with water. Its chemical formula is HF. It is a chemical compound and considered a weak acid but can be heavily corrosive.