Lithium Tetraborate PentahydrateCAS #: 1303-94-2

Synonyms 

Lithium borate pentahydrate; Dilithium tetraborate pentahydrate; boron lithium oxide pentahydrate; dilithium tetraboron heptaoxide pentahydrate; dilithium (oxido-oxoboranyloxy-boranyl)oxy-oxoboranyloxy-borinate pentahydrate; Dilithium bicyclo[3.3.1]tetraboroxane-3,7-diolate; 2,4,6, 8,9-pentaoxa-1,3,5,7-tetraborabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3, 7-diolate pentahydrate, lithium salt

Compound Formula: H10B4Li2O12 

Molecular Weight: 260.09 

Appearance: White powder

Melting Point: 760-880 °C 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 260.086456 g/mol 

Monoisotopic Mass: 260.086456 g/mol

Product Introduction: Ammonium Fluoride (NH₄F, CAS #: 1303-94-2)

Ammonium fluoride, with the chemical formula NH₄F and CAS number 1303-94-2, is a widely used inorganic compound that combines the ammonium cation (NH₄⁺) with the fluoride anion (F⁻). This white crystalline solid or powder is valued for its strong fluorinating properties, solubility in polar solvents, and versatility across industrial, laboratory, and agricultural applications. Its ability to release fluoride ions in solution makes it a key reagent in etching, cleaning, and chemical synthesis processes.

Chemical & Physical Properties

Ammonium fluoride exhibits distinct properties that underpin its utility:

Solubility: Highly soluble in water (approximately 82 g/100 mL at 20°C) and polar organic solvents like methanol and ethanol, enabling easy formulation of aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.

Melting Point: Approximately 100°C, with decomposition occurring at higher temperatures (above 125°C) to release ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) gases.

Hygroscopicity: Strongly hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air rapidly, which can cause clumping or dissolution if not stored properly.

pH in Solution: Aqueous solutions are weakly acidic (pH ~5–6) due to hydrolysis of the ammonium ion, forming small amounts of hydrofluoric acid.

Density: Around 1.01 g/cm³ for the solid, with solution densities varying based on concentration.

Key Applications

Ammonium fluoride (CAS 1303-94-2) is employed in diverse fields, leveraging its fluorinating and etching capabilities:

Glass and Semiconductor Industry: Used as an etching agent for glass, silicon wafers, and ceramics, where it selectively removes oxide layers (e.g., SiO₂) to create precise patterns in microelectronics and optical components. It is also used in polishing glass to achieve a smooth surface finish.

Metal Treatment: Acts as a cleaning and fluxing agent in metal processing, particularly for aluminum and magnesium alloys, removing oxide scales and facilitating better adhesion of coatings or solders.

Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a fluorinating agent in organic chemistry, introducing fluoride ions into molecules for the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty fluorinated compounds. It also catalyzes certain condensation reactions.

Agriculture: Used in some fertilizer formulations to supply fluoride, a micronutrient essential for plant growth, though its application is carefully regulated to avoid toxicity. It may also control pests in certain crops.

Laboratory Research: A standard reagent for analytical chemistry, including fluoride ion detection and as a buffer in biochemical studies. It is also used in the preparation of other fluoride compounds.

Advantages & Limitations

Ammonium fluoride offers specific benefits alongside important considerations:

Efficacy as a Fluorinating Agent: Provides a readily available source of fluoride ions, making it effective for etching and synthesis applications where controlled fluorination is required.

Solubility: High solubility in water and organic solvents allows for flexible use in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems, unlike some less soluble fluoride salts.

Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than many specialty fluorinating agents, making it suitable for large-scale industrial processes.

Limitations: Strong hygroscopicity requires strict moisture control during storage and handling. Decomposition at high temperatures releases toxic gases (NH₃ and HF), necessitating proper ventilation. It is also corrosive to skin, metals, and glass at high concentrations.

Synthesis & Quality Control

Ammonium fluoride is synthesized through straightforward neutralization reactions:

Neutralization: Ammonia gas (NH₃) or ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) reacts with hydrofluoric acid (HF) in aqueous solution, forming NH₄F and water: NH₃ + HF → NH₄F.

Purification: The solution is evaporated under controlled conditions to crystallize the product, which is then dried to remove residual moisture. Recrystallization may be used to achieve higher purity.

Quality control includes titration to determine fluoride content (typically 96–98% for industrial grades), ion chromatography to detect impurities (e.g., chloride, sulfate), and moisture analysis via Karl Fischer titration (kept below 1%).

Safety & Handling

Due to its corrosive and toxic properties, proper handling of ammonium fluoride is critical:

Storage: Keep in tightly sealed, moisture-proof containers (e.g., HDPE bottles) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Separate from strong acids, bases, and metals (e.g., aluminum, zinc) to prevent reactions.

Toxicity: Highly toxic if ingested or inhaled, as fluoride ions can damage cells and interfere with enzyme function. Contact with skin or eyes causes severe irritation or burns. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, a face shield, and a respirator when handling.

Reactivity: Reacts with strong acids to release HF gas and with metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. Avoid contact with oxidizing agents.

Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations for toxic fluoride compounds, ensuring proper containment to prevent soil or water contamination.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety protocols.

Packaging & Availability

Ammonium fluoride is available in forms tailored to application needs:

Powder or Crystals: Packaged in moisture-resistant HDPE bags (1kg–25kg) or drums (50kg–200kg) with sealed liners to prevent moisture absorption.

Aqueous Solutions: Pre-dissolved solutions (10–50% w/w) are available for immediate use in etching and cleaning processes, packaged in plastic containers (5L–200L).

Industrial-grade and high-purity (99%+) versions are available, with the latter used in laboratory and semiconductor applications.

For technical specifications, pricing, or safety documentation, contact our sales team, specializing in inorganic fluorides for industrial and research use.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335 

Hazard Codes: Xi 

Risk Codes: 36/37/38 

Safety Statements: 26-36 

RTECS Number: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A 

WGK Germany: 1

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2B4O7• 5H2O 

Pubchem CID: 9815330 

MDL Number: MFCD00151337 

EC No.: 234-514-3 

IUPAC Name: dilithium; [oxido(oxoboranyl oxy)boranyl]oxy-oxoboranyloxyborinate; pentahydrate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].B(=O)OB([O-])OB([O-])OB=O.O.O.O.O.O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/B4O7.2Li.5H2O/c5-1-9-3(7)11-4(8)10-2-6;;;;;;;/h;;;5*1H2/q-2;2*+1;;;;;

 InchI Key: KTDDBABFAZCLKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.