Product Name: Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate
Synonyms: Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate(V); Ammonium Fluorophosphate
Chemical Formula: NH4PF6
CAS Number: 16941-11-0
Manufacturer: Typically provided on procurement; verify supplier or distributor details.
Recommended Uses: Electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, ionic liquids, catalyst preparation, and specialty chemical synthesis.
Contact in Case of Emergency: Refer to local poison control center, or seek emergency services with chemical name and nature of exposure.
GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin corrosion/irritation, Serious eye damage/eye irritation, Specific target organ toxicity
Hazard Statements: Causes severe burns and eye damage; toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin; releases toxic fumes under fire conditions
Pictogram: Corrosive, poisonous symbol (skull and crossbones)
Routes of Exposure: Eye contact, skin contact, inhalation, ingestion
Potential Health Effects: Irritate skin and mucous membranes, possible pulmonary edema, systemic fluoride poisoning with enough exposure
Chemical Identity: Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate
CAS Number: 16941-11-0
Percent Composition: >98% pure (commercial-grade compound)
Impurities: Trace ammonium salts, small amounts of hydrofluoric acid residues
Stabilizing Additives: None reported.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin under running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of clean water for no less than 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Obtain urgent medical evaluation.
Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. If trouble breathing, apply artificial respiration. Immediate medical help needed.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth out thoroughly, if conscious. Administer water. Seek immediate medical assistance due to risk of systemic toxicity.
Delayed Effects: Watch for symptoms of shock, respiratory distress, or chemical burns in the hours following exposure.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use CO2, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers. Do not use water.
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen fluoride and phosphorus oxides with heat/fire. Risk of pressure buildup in containers from evolving gases.
Protective Equipment: Full face self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical resistant gear. Keep people upwind.
Special Procedures: Remove containers from fire zone if safe to do so. Cool exposed containers with non-contact methods to prevent rupture.
Combustion Products: Hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, phosphorus pentafluoride—avoid inhalation or direct contact.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel immediately from affected area. Ventilate the space. Wear suitable chemical protection (gloves, goggles, full suit, respirator).
Spill Response: Collect spills with non-combustible absorbent materials (e.g., dry sand). Sweep carefully to avoid dust. Place in an appropriate, labeled chemical waste container.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent from entering groundwater, drains, or natural waterways. Alert local authorities if released into the environment.
Decontamination: Residues can be safely neutralized with dilute calcium hydroxide or lime slurry. Dispose resulting material as hazardous waste.
Cleanup Crew Protection: Only trained, properly equipped response personnel should enter the area.
Handling Guidelines: Handle in a chemical fume hood or local exhaust system. Always use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Avoid skin or eye contact. Do not inhale dust or vapors. Avoid sources of moisture that may cause hydrolysis to toxic acids.
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers, away from acids, moisture, and oxidizers. Shelter from direct sunlight and store at room temperature or lower. Use secondary containment to manage accidental leaks.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, and oxidizers; sensitive to humid or wet environments; never mix with combustible material.
Signage and Security: Mark area with hazard labels. Restrict access to trained staff.
Engineering Controls: Fume hoods, local exhaust ventilation systems, and monitoring devices for airborne contaminants.
Eye Protection: Tight-fitting safety goggles plus face shield for major work.
Skin Protection: Nitrile or fluoroelastomer gloves, chemical-resistant apron, full protective clothing. Regularly inspect and replace damaged equipment.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-certified respirators for dust, or full SCBA in emergency exposures.
Work Practice Controls: Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or smoking. Do not bring contaminated PPE out of controlled areas.
Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated): 15 mg/m³ (total dust); Manufacturer/supplier may recommend lower limits as compound contains fluoride.
Appearance: White, odorless, crystalline powder
Molecular Weight: 144.98 g/mol
Solubility: Soluble in water; decomposes releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride with moisture
Melting/Decomposition Point: Decomposes above 125°C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Density: About 2.07 g/cm³ at 25°C
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Odor Threshold: Not established
pH: Acidic in aqueous solution
Chemical Stability: Remains stable under recommended storage and handling conditions, but reacts with moisture forming corrosive acids.
Incompatible Materials: Water, acids, bases, reducing and oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Reactions: Decomposes yielding ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, and phosphorus pentafluoride gases. Risk of violent reaction with incompatible materials.
Decomposition Products: Hydrogen fluoride, ammonia, phosphorus pentafluoride. All highly toxic.
Likely Routes of Exposure: Ingestion, inhalation, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): Data from animal testing suggest < 50 mg/kg; severely toxic
Skin/Eye Contact: Severe chemical burns, ulceration, eye damage, risk of permanent injury
Inhalation Exposure: Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, pulmonary edema. Inhaled dust or decomposition fumes cause rapid onset discomfort.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to dental/bone fluorosis and kidney injury.
Sensitization: No specific data, but skin damage likely with repeated contact.
Carcinogenic Status: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA, but regular exposure may increase risk for chronic health conditions due to systemic fluoride absorption.
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms and plants. Soluble fluorides disrupt aquatic biochemistry.
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable. Degrades into mobile fluoride species under environmental conditions.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Unlikely significant bioaccumulation, but contributes to ongoing water pollution.
Mobility in Soil: High mobility; risk of leaching with runoff.
Other Harmful Effects: Localized toxic effects in soil, water, and surrounding wildlife habitats.
Waste Disposal: Handle used or unused material as hazardous waste. Collect residues, combine with neutralizing agents like lime, and send to licensed chemical disposal. Do not dispose via regular drain or landfill.
Empty Containers: Triple rinse with neutralizing solution. Dispose of as hazardous waste.
Legal Compliance: Follow local, regional, and national regulations. Coordinate with waste management professionals experienced with fluoride and phosphate compounds.
UN Number: UN 3260
Proper Shipping Name: Corrosive Solid, Acidic, Inorganic, N.O.S. (Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate)
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
Packing Group: II
Labels Required: Corrosive
Transport Precautions: Use sealed, corrosion-resistant containers. Advise handlers of risks. Secure against shifting or spillage. Prevent exposure to water or high humidity during transport.
Special Provisions: Emergency schedules, access to spill response equipment.
TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): Listed for commercial supply in the United States
REACH (EU): Registered; consult your supplier for pre-registration status
SARA Title III: Subject to reporting due to acute toxicity and fluoride content
OSHA: Covered under hazardous substance standards
WHMIS (Canada): Classified as D1A (immediate and serious toxic effects) and E (corrosive material) under the Controlled Products Regulations
Other International Inventories: Verify compliance with local chemical control laws before import/export or use.