Fluoroantimonic acid, the superacid ranks on the list of top strongest acids available in the world. The superacid which is termed as the strongest and the deadliest acid on earth is one of the cursed compounds available in nature. Most of the people do not have known about this acid as it does not have many uses in our daily life. The world is only aware of the basic acids which are available in the laboratories.

Everyone studies acids in their chemistry class and also perform various experiments in the chemistry labs. During our school and college life, we were taught that acid has a sour taste. Also, we were advised to make use of the strong acids carefully as they may cause any harm to our skin. Acid is even present in our body itself which helps in the digestion of food. Our today’s discussion would be on the superacid, Fluoroantimontic acid. We will also throw light on uses, structure, and safety measures related to the acid.

Fluoroantimonic Acid Formula, Structure and Chemical Composition

Here we have discussed Fluoroantimonic acid formula, structure, and chemical composition. You will be amazed to know the reason behind the strong power of Fluoroantimonic acid. Also, we will tell you the internal bonding of the most corrosive acid available in the world.

Fluoroantimonic Acid Formula

Fluoroantimonic acid has a chemical formula as H2FSbF6 and it is the strongest known acid with a Hammett acidity function, H0 of -28. Due to it being extremely strong acid, it is categorized as “Super Acid”. The degree of the acid can be judged from the fact that it can easily consume plastic and glass. Due to its highly corrosive nature, Fluoroantimonic acid is stored very intelligently and carefully. We will discuss its storage material after a while.

Fluoroantimonic Acid Structure

The formula of Fluoroantimonic acid is H2SbF6 and its structure contains a mixture of HF and SbF5. And according to single crystal X-ray crystallography, a couple of crystallized products are formed from HF – SbF5 mixture. Depending on the amount of SbF5, the acidity of this acid varies which is measured by Hammett acidity function. Fluoroantimonic acid pH value is not estimated since it cannot exist in aqueous solutions. But since it is many times acidic than Sulphuric acid, so according to experts, its pH value would be around -20.

Fluoroantimonic Acid Composition

The superacid, Fluoroantimonic acid is formed from HF(Hydrogen Fluoride) and SbF5(Antimony Pentafluoride) in 2: 1 ratio. According to Hammett Acidity Function value(H0), which is measured for different ratios of HF and SbF5, Fluoroantimonic acid is the strongest acid available in the world. Although some people speculate that the only possible stronger acid in the world to Fluoroantimonic acid is carborane acid. It is not possible to measure the H0 value of carborane acid since it has the high melting point.

Applications of Fluoroantimonic Acid

Well, one might wonder why fluoroantimonic acid was created when it is not easy to use for even experts. Here, we will tell you the real reasons why it came into existence and also talk about the various applications of the most corrosive acid in the chemical world. Although it does not have many uses in daily life, the acid exists mainly for the purposes mentioned below.

• Protonation of Organic Compounds – The main use of Fluoroantimonic acid is to protonate other organic compounds. It has a capability to take Hydrogen out of almost every organic compound available in nature. Thus, it is the main reason behind the creation of this very superacid.
• Production of Carbonium Ion – Since Fluoroantinomic acid is capable to protonate any organic compound so it is used to produce carbonium ion in the reaction. It is used to remove H2 from isobutane and methane from neopentane to release, carbonium ion to carry out the chemical reaction.

Precautions to use Fluoroantimonic acid

Since Fluoroantimonic acid is the most corrosive and deadliest acid in the world. So, it is not available for its use by amateur people. Only a professional lab technician can make use of it. Fluoroantimonic acid must be used with a high degree of safety measures. Here we have enlisted the precautions that need to be practiced to use this acid:

• Safety While Handling – Fluoroantimonic acid is one of the strongest and corrosive acids available in the world. Due to it being highly toxic, it must be used with extreme care as it can cause a fatal accident if not given proper care while its usage. It is highly toxic and can lead to massive trauma for any living organism by destroying any flesh it comes in contact with.
• Keep it Away From Moisture – The acid should be kept away from the moisture as it is highly sensitive to moisture and its reaction can cause huge destruction all around.
• Use of Solvent– Not only while keeping it, but also a person needs to use it expertly in chemical reactions. Since it is moisture sensitive, so it is pretty obvious that it would cause an explosion on reacting with water. Don’t use an aqueous solution, or water as a solvent as it would only lead to an uncontrollable situation. Always use “Hydrogen Fluoride” as a solvent for fluoroantimonic acid.
• Choice of Storage Material – Don’t even think of storing it in a glass as the superacid would melt it in no time. Being it a superacid, it would be a big mistake to keep it in glass or plastic as these two are not capable of holding it. Fluoroantimonic acid storage requires a strong bond between the molecules of a container holding it. For this, Polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), also known as “Teflon” should be used as in it the bond between Carbon and Fluorine is extremely strong. That is why Teflon is capable of holding Fluoroantimonic acid in an easy manner.

As we discussed above Fluoroantimonic acid and put a light on its structure, composition, uses, and preventions in using it. Since there is very less number of application of Fluoroantimonic acid, so it is a thought-provoking question “why it was created by experts?”. Well, the people who use it are really talented and courageous as it is deadly to make use of this type of superacid.