Sourcing bulk hydrofluoric acid is not like buying a commodity acid off a price sheet. The grade, the concentration, the packaging, the compatible materials, and the hazmat logistics all have to line up with the application, and getting any of them wrong is expensive at best and dangerous at worst. A good HF supplier sells the right product for the job, not just the strongest one in the catalog.
The short version: RawSource supplies aqueous hydrofluoric acid (CAS 7664-39-3) in technical, reagent, and electronic grades, at the concentration your process needs (commonly 49% or 70%), in drums, IBC totes, and isotanks, with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet on every shipment. We also supply ammonium bifluoride where a lower-hazard fluoride source fits the job. Tell us the application and we will help you specify the right product.
What we supply
| Axis | Options |
|---|---|
| Grade | Technical / industrial; reagent / ACS; electronic / semiconductor (low-metals) |
| Concentration | 49% (industrial standard), 70%, and dilutions for semiconductor and specialty use |
| Packaging | Drums, IBC totes, isotanks |
| Documentation | Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) per shipment |
| Alternative | Ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) for lower-hazard fluoride applications |
The grade and concentration drive both fitness for use and hazard class, so they are the first things to settle. The full selection logic is in HF grades and concentrations.
Packaging and logistics
Aqueous hydrofluoric acid ships as UN1790, Class 8 (corrosive) with a 6.1 (toxic) subsidiary risk, Packing Group I above 60% strength and Packing Group II at or below 60%. It must travel and be stored in compatible packaging, polyethylene and fluoropolymer, never glass, with full hazmat documentation. We coordinate drum, tote, and isotank quantities with the transport and handling requirements set out in HF storage and handling.
Applications we serve
Hydrofluoric acid (PubChem CID 14917) supports a defined set of industrial processes, and each has its own grade and concentration logic:
- Glass etching and frosting, architectural, decorative, optical, and signage glass, covered in HF for glass etching and frosting.
- Stainless and superalloy pickling, in HF-nitric baths, covered in pickling stainless and superalloys with HF.
- Oil-well acidizing, as part of mud acid (HF with HCl) for sandstone stimulation.
- Semiconductor and electronics, dilute HF and buffered oxide etch with electronic-grade material.
What to specify when you request a quote
To quote and ship the right product the first time, we need five things: the application, the grade (technical, reagent, or electronic), the concentration (for example 49% or 70%), the packaging (drum, tote, or isotank), and your materials of construction and any site or permit constraints. With those, we confirm the product, documentation, and logistics.
The lower-hazard option
Because HF is this demanding to ship, store, and handle, the honest first question is whether the application needs liquid HF at all. For lighter glass frosting, metal brightening, and cleaning, ammonium bifluoride, a solid that releases fluoride in water, often does the work with easier logistics and lower acute hazard. We will tell you when the salt is the better buy.
Buying hydrofluoric acid from RawSource
RawSource supplies hydrofluoric acid (CAS 7664-39-3) and ammonium bifluoride for industrial manufacturing, metal finishing, glass, oil and gas, and electronics, with CoA and SDS on every shipment. Send us your application, grade, concentration, and packaging needs for a quote and lead time.
Frequently asked questions
What grades and concentrations of hydrofluoric acid can I buy?
Technical, reagent, and electronic grades, at the concentration your process requires, commonly 49% (the industrial standard) or 70%, plus dilutions for semiconductor and specialty use. The grade and concentration are confirmed on the CoA.
How is bulk hydrofluoric acid packaged and shipped?
In drums, IBC totes, and isotanks, in compatible polyethylene or fluoropolymer packaging (never glass), shipped as UN1790 Class 8 with a 6.1 subsidiary risk and full hazmat documentation.
What do you need to quote hydrofluoric acid?
The application, the grade, the concentration, the packaging, and your materials of construction and any site constraints. With those we confirm the right product, documentation, and logistics.
Do you supply electronic-grade hydrofluoric acid?
Yes, electronic/semiconductor grade purified to low alkali and heavy-metal content for microelectronics, in addition to technical and reagent grades. Specify the application so we match the grade.
Can ammonium bifluoride replace hydrofluoric acid in my process?
For many lighter etching, frosting, and cleaning jobs, yes, with easier handling and lower hazard. For aggressive etching, heavy pickling, or semiconductor work, liquid HF is still required. We will advise based on your application.
Editorial note. This article is general procurement and technical reference for industrial and professional buyers and is not safety or treatment advice. Hydrofluoric acid is acutely hazardous and can be fatal on skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion, with systemic toxicity even from dilute solutions. Grade, concentration, packaging, and transport references (PubChem, CAMEO/NOAA, supplier SDS) are sourced facts to verify and apply through your own SDS, EHS program, and qualified professionals. HF is for industrial and professional use only by trained personnel with appropriate controls. Typical values are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis governs the material you buy. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.
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