hydrogen fluoride

American  

noun

1. a colorless corrosive gas, HF, the anhydride of hydrofluoric acid, used chiefly as a catalyst and in the fluorination of hydrocarbons.

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hydrogen fluoride British  

noun

1. a colourless poisonous corrosive gas or liquid made by reaction between calcium fluoride and sulphuric acid: used as a fluorinating agent and catalyst. Formula: HF

2. an aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride; hydrofluoric acid

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hydrogen fluoride Scientific  

1. A corrosive compound that exists as a colorless, fuming liquid or a highly soluble gas. Hydrogen fluoride is used as a reagent, catalyst, and fluorinating agent, in the refining of uranium, and in making many fluorine compounds. An aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride is called hydrofluoric acid. Chemical formula: HF.

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Etymology

Origin of hydrogen fluoride

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

For example, in the case of EO, highly corrosive hydrogen fluoride vapor.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

During an emergency briefing after the fire broke out, officials said a plume released from the plant contained hydrogen fluoride, a toxic compound, according to county spokesperson Nick Pasculli.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2025

In 2019, Japan’s government tightened export controls on three materials to South Korea - fluorinated polyimide, hydrogen fluoride and resists - key materials used in the production of semiconductors.

From Washington Times • Mar. 23, 2023

Japan's trade ministry said it would lift export curbs to South Korea on some high-tech materials, namely fluorinated polyimides, resists and hydrogen fluoride.

From Reuters • Mar. 16, 2023

Fire and hazmat officials checked for oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride and flammable gases and found all within normal ranges, Mauser said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 6, 2022