The principal use of hydrofluoric acid is
[amp_mcq option1=”in etching glass” option2=”as a bleaching agent” option3=”as an extremely strong oxidizing agent” option4=”in the preparation of strong organic fluorine compounds” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
The principal use of hydrofluoric acid is related to its unique property of reacting with silicon dioxide (silica).
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is highly corrosive and capable of dissolving many materials, particularly oxides and silicates. Its ability to react with SiO₂, the main component of glass, allows it to etch glass surfaces. This reaction is: SiO₂ + 4HF → SiF₄ + 2H₂O. This property is exploited extensively in industries for etching glass, cleaning silicon wafers in electronics, and polishing metals.