CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE DATASHEET
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CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION |
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Chemical name |
Ammonium fluoride |
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Synonyms |
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IUPAC name |
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CAS No |
12125-01-8 [1] |
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REACH registration number |
Substance pre-registered under REACH. |
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EC No |
235-185-9 [1] |
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Molecular formula |
NH4F or FH4N [2] |
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Substance group/chemical family |
Inorganic/Mono constituent substance [1] |
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Appearance Physical state Odour Form Colour |
Solid (100%) @ 20°C and 1013 hPa odourless Crystalline (100%) [1] white |
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USES AND HANDLING ISSUES |
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Relevant identified uses |
It is used in chemical analysis, in brewing, and as a preservative for wood. [2] |
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Handling considerations |
Handling: |
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PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES |
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Molecular weight |
37.037 g/mol [2] |
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Bulk density/Specific gravity |
1.009 g/cm³ @ 25 °C [1] |
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pH |
The aqueous solution is acidic. [2] |
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Particle size |
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EC |
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Melting point |
268.22 °C @ 101 325 Pa [1] |
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Boiling point |
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Flash point |
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Flammability |
Not flammable or combustible [2] |
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Vapour density |
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Vapour pressure |
0 Pa @ 25 °C [1] |
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Solubility in water |
455 g/L @ 25 °C [1] , very soluble [3] |
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Solubility in organic solvents |
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Solubility in inorganic solvents |
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Hydrolysis |
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Ionicity in water |
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Surface tension |
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Dispersion properties |
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Explosiveness |
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Other properties |
All ammonium halides exhibit high vapor pressures at elevated temperatures, and thus, sublime readily. The vapor formed on sublimation consists not of discrete ammonium halide molecules, but is composed primarily of equal volumes of ammonia and hydrogen halide. [2] |
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Stability and reactivity |
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Chemical stability |
Decomposed by heat. [2] |
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Reactivity hazards |
The solution in water is a weak acid. Reacts with chlorine trifluoride. This generates explosion hazard. Attacks glass and metal. [2] |
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Corrosivity |
corrosive to aluminium, it corrodes glass, at fire temperature corrodes metals, it may corrode cement [2] |
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Polimerization |
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Incompatibility with various substances |
Chlorine trifluoride, Quinine salts; soluble calcium salts. [2] |
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Special remarks on reactivity |
Ammonium fluoride reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid, a source of fluoride ions. Unlike other halide ions, the fluoride ion is quite reactive, acting as a weak base and participating in some unique reactions. In particular, fluorides react strongly with compounds containing calcium, magnesium, or silicon ions, which means that solutions containing soluble fluorides are corrosive to both living tissue and glass. Hydrofluoric acid can cause severe chemical burns and is one of the few materials that can etch glass. It is also a toxic gas in its anhydrous form. [2] |
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Physical, chemical and biological coefficient |
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Koc |
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Kow |
Log Kow (Log Pow): -4.37 @ 25 °C [1] As ammonium fluoride is an inorganic substance, a study on the partition coefficient octanol/water does not need to be conducted according to the column 2 specific rules for adaptation from column 1 of the EC regulation n°1907/2006. To enable the chemical safety assessment to be performed, the log octanol-water partition coefficient was estimated using EPI Suite v4.10 (KOWWIN v1.68). The estimated value was -4.37. [3]
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pKa |
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log Kp |
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Henry-constant |
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ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND BEHAVIOUR |
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Artificial pollution sources |
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General terrestrial fate |
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General aquatic fate |
The substance is readily ionised under aqueous conditions in the environment to form fluoride and ammonium ions. Ammonia (NH3 or NH4+) is easily mineralized into nitrite ions (NO2-) by numerous bacteria while fluoride ions will combine to form various inorganic fluoride salts and organic complexes. The transport and transformation of fluoride in soil are influenced by pH and the formation of predominantly aluminium and calcium complexes. [4] |
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General atmospheric fate |
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General persistence and degradability |
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Abiotic degradation and metabolites |
The substance is readily ionised under aqueous conditions in the environment to form fluoride and ammonium ions. Ammonia (NH3 or NH4+) is easily mineralized into nitrite ions (NO2-) by numerous bacteria while fluoride ions will combine to form various inorganic fluoride salts and organic complexes. [4] |
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Biodegradation and metabolites |
In accordance with Reach Annex VII, column 2, biodegradation in water does not need to be conducted as NH4F is an inorganic compound and therefore will not undergo biodegradation. [3] |
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Bioconcentration |
Based on NH4Cl OECD SIDS, bioaccumulation data are not available because NH3 and/or NH4+ are common ions in the living organisms. However considering nitrification processes, it is unlikely that ammonium raises a bioaccumulation concern for organisms. Consequently, bioaccumulation of NH4F is only related to the fluoride ions in which the substance dissociates easily. Sloof et al. (1989) concluded that the limited data indicates that fluoride biomagnification in the aquatic environment is of little significance. Fluoride accumulates in aquatic organisms predominantly in the exoskeleton of crustacea and in the skeleton of fish. No accumulation was reported for edible tissues. [4] |
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Volatilization |
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Photolysis |
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Hydrolysis |
Based on NH4Cl and KF data, NH4F is unstable and will rapidly hydrolyse in the environment and react to form other fluorine-containing compounds and ammonia. [4] |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
The substance is readily ionised under aqueous conditions in the environment to form fluoride and ammonium ions. Ammonia (NH3 or NH4+) is easily mineralized into nitrite ions (NO2-) by numerous bacteria while fluoride ions will combine to form various inorganic fluoride salts and organic complexes. The transport and transformation of fluoride in soil are influenced by pH and the formation of predominantly aluminium and calcium complexes. Adsorption to the soil solid phase is stronger at slightly acidic pH values (5.5 – 6.5). Fluoride is not readily leached from soil. [4] |
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS |
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Measured data |
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ECOTOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION |
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General adverse effects on ecosystem |
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Acute toxicity (LC50, EC50) |
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Aquatic systems |
As ammonium fluoride decomposes in an aqueous environment into ammonium and fluoride ions, toxicity of these two ions has been studied and the most conservative one has been kept for assessment. [5] Fluoride toxicity was studied on a read across approach based on available studies performed with other fluoride compounds (NaF, KF, HF); All endpoints are expressed in terms of concentrations of the fluoride ion (F-). [5] Ammonium toxicity was studied on read across approach with Ammonium chloride as a surrogate. Ammonia ions obtained from the dissociation of the substance (NH3 or NH4+) are easily mineralized into nitrite ions (NO2-) by numerous bacteria. Under this bioavailable form, ammonium is not considered as key factor for aquatic toxicity.[5] LC50: 51 mg/L (freshwater fish) (4 days) [1] EC50 / LC50: 26 mg/L (freshwater invertebrates) (4 days) [1] EC50 / LC50: 10.5 mg/L (marine invertebrates) [1] EC50: 43 mg/L (freshwater algae) [1] EC50: 81 mg/L (marine water algae) [1] |
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Terrestrial systems |
Based on NH4Cl and KF data, NH4F is unstable and will rapidly hydrolyse in the environment and react to form other fluorine-containing compounds and ammonia. Fluoride is essentially immobile in soil due to its incorporation into insoluble complexes. Adsorption to the soil solid phase is stronger at slightly acidic pH values (5.5 – 6.5). Fluoride is not readily leached from soils and so may lead to exposure of soil organisms when acidic conditions are changing. Therefore, fluoride is considered as the key factor for terrestrial toxicity and ammonium is considered as of low impact. [5] A short term toxicity study of ammonium (NH3-N was measured) on Eisenia fetida is available: EC50: 163 mg/kg soil d.w. (Eisenia fetida) (14days) [5] |
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Chronic toxicity (NOEC, LOEC) |
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Aquatic systems |
As ammonium fluoride decomposes in an aqueous environment into ammonium and fluoride ions, toxicity of these two ions has been studied and the most conservative one has been kept for assessment. [5] Fluoride toxicity was studied on a read across approach based on available studies performed with other fluoride compounds (NaF, KF, HF); All endpoints are expressed in terms of concentrations of the fluoride ion (F-). [5] Ammonium toxicity was studied on read across approach with Ammonium chloride as a surrogate. Ammonia ions obtained from the dissociation of the substance (NH3 or NH4+) are easily mineralized into nitrite ions (NO2-) by numerous bacteria. Under this bioavailable form, ammonium is not considered as key factor for aquatic toxicity.[5] EC10 / LC10 or NOEC: 4 mg/L (freshwater fish) (21 days) [1] EC10 / LC10 or NOEC: 8.9 mg/L (freshwater invertebrates) [1] EC10 or NOEC: 50 mg/L (freshwater algae) [1] EC10 or NOEC: 26 mg/L (marine water algae) (10 days) [1] EC10 or NOEC: 510 mg/L (microorganisms) [1] |
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Terrestrial systems |
Based on NH4Cl and KF data, NH4F is unstable and will rapidly hydrolyse in the environment and react to form other fluorine-containing compounds and ammonia. Fluoride is essentially immobile in soil due to its incorporation into insoluble complexes. Adsorption to the soil solid phase is stronger at slightly acidic pH values (5.5 – 6.5). Fluoride is not readily leached from soils and so may lead to exposure of soil organisms when acidic conditions are changing. Therefore, fluoride is considered as the key factor for terrestrial toxicity and ammonium is considered as of low impact. [5] The long term effects of fluoride on Eisenia fetida was tested: EC10 / NOEC: 1 200 mg/kg soil dw (Eisenia fetida) [5] The long term effects of ammonium sulphate on rice field was tested: EC10 / NOEC: 106 mg/kg soil dw (soil microorganisms) (63 days) [1][5] |
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HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS and PROTECTION |
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Routes of human exposures |
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion. [2] |
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General effects |
Cough. Sore throat (inhalation) [2] Redness (skin) redness and pain (eyes) [2] Diarrhoea. Nausea. Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse (ingestion) [2] |
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Endocrine disruption |
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Mutagenicity |
Both positive and negative results have been reported in in vitro genotoxicity studies, the in vivo studies indicate no genotoxicity when evaluated in reliable studies conducted following administration by an appropriate route of exposure. Fluoride salts are not expected to be genotoxic. [5] |
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Carcinogenicity |
Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. [2] As noted in several reviews including the EU risk assessment report (RAR), the data from carcinogenicity studies are predominately negative with the slight increased incidence of osteosarcomas observed in male rats in the NTP study considered to be inconclusive and not sufficient to suggest fluoride salts would be carcinogenic. [5] |
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Reprotoxicity |
Fluoride salts are not considered to have detrimental effects on fertility. 28.4 mg sodium fluoride/kg body weight/day or 12.8 mg fluoride/kg body weight/day, had no adverse effects on reproduction throughout three generations. Mating, fertility and survival indices were not affected. |
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Teratogenicity |
No adverse effects on reproduction or development were observed in rat or rabbit teratology studies or in a 3 generation study in mice. No classification is proposed. [5] |
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Skin, eye and respiratory irritations |
Based on the skin irritation test, classification is not required for Ammonium fluoride.Based on the results of the primary eye irritation test, and according to the CLP regulation (EC) 1272 -2008, Ammonium fluoride is classified as: - Eye damage category 1 |
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Metabolism: absorption, distribution & excretion |
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Exposure limits |
(DNEL) 2.5 mg/m³ (workers, INHALATION Exposure, Acute /short term, systemic effects, repeated dose toxicity) (DNEL) 2.5 mg/m³ (workers, INHALATION Exposure, long term, local effects, repeated dose toxicity) [1] Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH): 250 mg/m3/Sodium fluorides (as F) [2]
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Drinking water MAC |
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Other information |
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Animal toxicity data |
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Acute toxicity (LD50) |
LD50: 148.5 mg/kg bw (rat, oral) [1] LC50: 1 000 mg/m³ (rat, inhalation) [1] LD50: 2 000 mg/kg bw (rat, dermal) (no adverse effects observed) [1] |
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Chronic toxicity (NOEL, LOEL) |
NOAEL (rat): 25 - 1 695.7 mg/kg bw/day (repeated dose toxicity, oral) [1] NOAEL (rat): 25 ppm, (repeated dose toxicity, oral) [1] LOAEL (rat): 4 mg/kg bw/day, (repeated dose toxicity, oral) [1] |
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ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS |
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REACH/CLP |
Danger! According to the harmonised classification and labelling (CLP00) approved by the European Union, this substance is toxic if swallowed, is toxic in contact with skin and is toxic if inhaled. Additionally, the classification provided by companies to ECHA in CLP notifications identifies that this substance causes severe skin burns and eye damage and causes serious eye damage. [1]
According to REACH registration: H301: Toxic if swallowed. H331: Toxic if inhaled H311: Toxic in contact with skin.
According to CLP notifications: H301: Toxic if swallowed. H331: Toxic if inhaled H311: Toxic in contact with skin. H318: Causes serious eye damage. H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. H310: Fatal in contact with skin. |
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EINECS regulation |
̵Substance listed on EINECS (European INventory of Existing Commercial chemical Substances) List [1] |
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OSHA regulations etc. |
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OTHER INFORMATION, SPECIAL REMARKS |
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Classification and proposed labelling with regard to toxicological data |
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CREATED, LAST UPDATE |
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Created |
2019. 11. 28 |
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Last update |
2020. 09. 24 |
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REFERENCES |
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[1] ECHA, Ammonium fluoride, https://echa.europa.eu/hu/brief-profile/-/briefprofile/100.031.975, Accessed 2019.11.28 [2] PubChem, Ammonium fluoride , https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ammonium-fluoride, Accessed 2019.11.28 [3] ECHA, Ammonium fluoride, https://echa.europa.eu/hu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5498/4/8, Accessed 2020.05.20 [4] ECHA, Ammonium fluoride, https://echa.europa.eu/hu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5498/5/4/1 Accessed 2020.05.20 [5] ECHA, Ammonium fluoride, https://echa.europa.eu/hu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/5498/6/2/1 Accessed 2020.09.24 |
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