Safety data for fluorine (and gas mixtures containing significant proportions of fluorine)
The information on this web page is provided to help you to work safely, but it is intended to be an overview of hazards, not a replacement for a full Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). MSDS forms can be downloaded from the web sites of many chemical suppliers.
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
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This information was last updated on April 19, 2005.
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for it. General
Synonyms:
Molecular formula: F2
CAS No: 7782-41-4
EC No: 231-954-8
U.K. Cylinder colour: grey
European cylinder colour standard: shoulder zinc yellow
Valve connection: DIN477 No 8
Physical data
Appearance: pale yellow gas with a pungent odour
Melting point: -220 C
Boiling point: -188 C
Critical temperature: -129 C
Vapour density: 1.3 (air = 1)
Vapour pressure:
Specific gravity:
Flash point:
Explosion limits:
Autoignition temperature:
Stability
Stable. Extremely strong oxidant which may react violently with
combustible materials, including plastics, reducing agents and organic material.
Reacts with water to form corrosive acids.
Toxicology
Very toxic. Causes severe burns. Can cause serious damage
to eyes, skin and respiratory system. May be fatal if inhaled.
Typical STEL (15 min) 1 ppm.
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is
given here.)
R7 R8 R26 R35 R41.
Transport information
(The meaning of any UN hazard codes which appear in this section
is given
here.)
UN No 1045. Major hazard class 2.3. Subsidiary risks 5.1, 8.
Personal protection
Safety glasses, gloves. Use only in a thoroughly
ventilated area. Do not use in the open laboratory or in any location
in which the concentration of the gas can rise above ppb levels. Do not
use until a full risk assessment has been made. Ensure there is
no oil or grease in the gas handling system - if this is not done
a violent reaction or explosion may occur. Equipment will require
passivation before use.
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section
is given here.)
S1 S9 S17 S26 S36 S37 S39 S45.