Chemical Properties
A colorless, nonflammable, corrosive and toxic gas. Sharp, pungent suffocating odor, similar to hydrogen chloride. Vapor is heavier than air; density53.6.
Chemical Properties
harmful gas
General Description
A colorless, nonflammable, corrosive and toxic gas with a pungent odor similar to that of hydrochloric acid. Very toxic by inhalation. Vapor is heavier than air. Under prolonged exposure to heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.
Reactivity Profile
When heated to decomposition SILICON TETRAFLUORIDE(7783-61-1) emits toxic fluoride fumes [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1138]. Reacts violently with alcohols to form HF. Attacks many metals in the presence of moisture. Reacts violently to explosively with lithium nitride [Porritt, L. J., Chem. Brit., 1979, 15, p. 282]. Mixtures with sodium are shock-sensitive explosives [Leleu, Cahiers, 1975, (79), p. 270].
Air & Water Reactions
Fumes in air. Decomposed exothermically by water or moisture in the air to hydrofluoric acid and silicic acid [Merck 11th ed. 1989; Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 821].
Hazard
Toxic by inhalation, strong irritant to
mucous membranes.
Health Hazard
TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin. Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Potential Exposure
Silicon tetrafluoride is not used in industry but may be a discharge byproduct of certain processes, including ore refining and smelting operations. It has been used in the manufacture of silane and fluosilicic acid, and pure electronic silicon.
Fire Hazard
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Some of these materials may react violently with water. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contactwith liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim warm and quiet. Keep victim under observation Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water, or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN1859 Silicon tetrafluoride, Hazard Class: 2.3; Labels 2.3-Poisonous gas; 8-Corrosive material; Inhalation Hazard Zone B. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner.
Incompatibilities
Water and air reactive Fluorides form explosive gases on contact with strong acids, acid fumes, and sodium. Water and air reactive. Corrosive. Fumes in air. Decomposed exothermically by water, alcohols, or moisture in the air to hydrofluoric acid and silicic acid, forming flammable and potentially explosive hydrogen gas. Attacks many metals in the presence of moisture.
Waste Disposal
For laboratory quantities, transfer into an evaporating dish containing sodium bicarbonate, spray with ammonia (6M NH4OH)/6 M-ammonium hydroxide/while stirring and then spread with crushed ice. Continue spraying with ammonia until the smoke of ammonium chloride partly subsides and add iced water while stirring. Neutralize and slowly transfer the mixture into a drain with running water.
Physical properties
Colorless gas; very pungent odor; fumes heavily in moist air; density of the gas 4.69 g/L; heavier than air, density in air 3.5 (air = 1); sublimes at -95.7°C; solidifies at -90.2°C (under pressure); critical pressure 50atm; decomposes in water forming silicic acid and hydrofluoric acid.
Preparation
Silicon tetrafluoride is prepared by heating silica with dilute hydrofluoric acid at high temperatures:
SiO2 + 4HF → SiF4 + 2H2O
Also, the tetrafluoride may be obtained by heating the elements:
Si + 2F2 → SiF4.
