Anhydrous HF is a clear, colorless, fuming, corrosive liquid. HF is also available in the gaseous state. Anhydrous HF is a clear, colorless, fuming, corrosive liquid. HF is also available in the gaseous state.
All forms including the solution or the vapor can cause severe burns to tissue.
Concentrated hydrofluoric acid is used in the fabrication of electronic components, to etch glass and in the manufacture of semiconductors. Dilute hydrofluoric acid solutions are used in some biological staining procedures. Hydrofluoric acid solutions are clear and colorless with a density similar to that of water. The most widely known property of HF is its ability to dissolve glass. Upon reaction with metals, explosive hydrogen gas may be formed.