Chemical of the Week Part 2 - Uranium Hexafluoride

Hazard Profile

Chemical Name and Pseudonyms

Uranium Hexafluoride, CRM 113-A, CRM 113-B

UN Number

3507, 2977, 2978

Chemical Formula

UF₆

Hazards

Highly toxic by inhalation or ingestion, corrosive, generates hydrogen fluoride when exposed to air

PPE Considerations

SFPC or multi-threat ensemble with SCBA

Fire Fighting Considerations

Dry chemical or CO₂ extinguisher.  Keep tanks cool if exposed to fire/heat.

Decontamination

Flush skin/contact areas if exposed, vacuum solid/powder material, use time-distance-shielding to limit exposure.

Detection and Monitoring

Colormetric, radiation monitoring equipment, GCMS

Chemical and Physical Properties

Physical State

Volatile, colorless, or white, deliquescent monoclinic crystal solid

Vapor Pressure

~115 mmHg

Boiling Point

~132^oF

Vapor Density

~12

Specific Gravity

~4.7

Miscibility

Reacts vigorously with water

Flash Point

-

LEL/UEL

-

Autoignition Temp

-

pH

-

Toxicity

IDLH

~238 ppm

PEL/REL/STEL

Refer to radiation limits, Uranium, and Hydrogen fluoride limits

LD50

Ca

LC50

Ca

Radioactive (Yes/No)

Yes

Medical

Toxicological Considerations

Caustic by all routes, radioactive – including Alpha, contains fluoride  

Signs/Symptoms of Exposure

Respiratory symptoms, skin burns, eye damage, chest tightness, cardiac dysrhythmias, cancer (long term)

Medical Treatment

Fresh air and treat symptomatically, flush areas of contact with water, hydrogen fluoride specific treatment

Other Information

Reacts with water to produce HF and uranyl fluoride, aromatic hydrocarbons and most metals

Chemical Structure