Chemical Properties
White, crystalline powder.Sol-
uble in water; decomposes on heating.
Uses
As a "sour" in laundering.
General Description
Sodium bifluoride is a white crystalline solid. SODIUM BIFLUORIDE, SOLID(1333-83-1) is soluble in water. SODIUM BIFLUORIDE, SOLID(1333-83-1) is corrosive to tissue. SODIUM BIFLUORIDE, SOLID(1333-83-1) is used as a preservative for anatomical and zoological specimens, in metal plating and for many other uses.
Reactivity Profile
Acidic salts, such as SODIUM BIFLUORIDE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble. Reacts with water liberating heat and forming a corrosive solution. The reaction is not violent.
Hazard
Highly toxic, strong irritant to tissue.
Health Hazard
INHALATION OF DUST: Irritating and possibly corrosive to mucous membranes. EYES: Irritating. INGESTION: Salty or soapy taste, salivation, nausea, burning or crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, tremors. Rare: transient epileptiform convulsions, followed by CNS depression. Shock.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Flammability and Explosibility
Nonflammable
