She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Firstly, an oxidizing acid seems more suitable for destroying organic tissue. a mix of nitric and hydrochloric acid, but even this has limits. The carcass is reduced to a brownish sludge, leaving only brittle bones. How long would it take to dissolve a human body using fluoroantimonic acid? ... and diffuse through the membranes of human cells. Flexible ebonite (semiebonite) can withstand up to 50% and butyl can withstand up to 60% hydrofluoric acid. Fatalities have been reported from a skin exposure to as little as 2.5% of body surface area. A man is turned into water vapour. So citric acid, the acid in lemon juice is actually a stronger acid than HF. Soft natural rubber can resist hydrofluoric acid up to 10% at ambient temperature. Sulfuric hydrofluoric acid. In summary, we would buy a suitably-sized robust polyethylene (PE) barrel from the hardware store with a lockable lid, put the body inside, pour in 15 to 20 L of 65 % HNO3, add a few hundred grams of calcium fluoride (CaF2), lock the barrel shut, and allow the chemistry to take its course. Fluorocarbons such as Teflon (TFE and FEP), chlorosulfonated polyethylene, natural rubber, and neoprene all are resistant to hydrofluoric acid. It is also worth noting that hydrofluoric acid can be emitted into the environment in the form of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and it will appear in the space with a strong harsh odor that will form a dense white vapor cloud into the air when released, this will be very hazardous to human health. Certain plastics, like in the show, resist its corrosion, as well as the noble metals (gold, platinum, etc.). The carborane superacids are over a million times stronger than concentrated sulfuric acid, yet they don't attack human or animal tissue. When you register on this website, please ensure you view our terms and conditions. The case can be confirmed if laboratory testing was not performed because either a predominant amount of clinical and nonspecific laboratory evidence of a particular chemical was present or a 100% certainty of the etiology of the agent is known. His cells are in a billionth of a second, hotter than the surface of the Sun. It can exist as a colorless gas or as a fuming liquid, or it can be dissolved in water. ... Back in our lab, we exposed cremated human bone to mixtures of hydrofluoric and nitric acid; the suspect was a welder so would have had access to this combination of acids in the form of pickling acid used to treat steel. Walt apparently keeps plenty on hand, and use some to aid in disposing of a body. In the scene he specifically told Jessie to put the body in a plastic container and cover the body in hyfrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a very strong acid. evaporating fumes will dissolve any living organism in vapor. There was no trace of either the victim or the incinerator, but the presence of fluorine gave me an idea: perhaps the killer had tried to dissolve the cremated corpse in hydrofluoric acid and then … The separation process for ascertaining the metals contained in biological materials employs nitrous acid (HNO3) [14]. Hydrofluoric acid has not been reported to be a human carcinogen. Please note that to comment on an article you must be registered and logged in. This acid is so corrosive because its fluorine ion is highly reactive. You can find out more about our use of cookies Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. If the lye mixture is heated to boiling, tissue can be dissolved in a matter of hours. This is significant since hydrofluoric acid will not only dissolve human flesh, but will also dissolve porcelain. Acids can dissolve a body more completely than lye—liquefying even the bones and teeth—but it takes longer and can be hazardous. You may be thinking the best way to rid yourself of a corpse is to use the strongest acid you can find. They immersed the carcasses in an acid bath and discovered it took days for bodies to dissolve in sulfuric acid. It also dissolves many metals (not nickel or its alloys, gold, platinum, or silver), and most plastics. It is correct, however, that it has the ability to attack silicon-based compounds, such as glass and ceramics. Can hydrofluoric acid really dissolve a body? It was also used for etching glass (wax is applied to the glass and is scratched away where the logos and wriiting are going to be) The addition of hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid is recommended to deal with especially resistant matrices. Hydrofluoric acid is corrosive stuff. Hydrofluoric acid attacks the silicon oxide in most types of glass. Is HF (Hydrofluoric Acid) a Strong Acid or a Weak Acid? Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless, fuming liquid or gas with a strong, irritating odor. Hydrogen fluoride can be released when other fluoride-containing compounds such as … A standard geology technique, which involved the dissolving of sedimentary rock with mineral acids (hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid), was being undertaken in a fume cupboard. An aqueous solution of gaseous hydrofluoric acid only forms a weak acid with a pKa value of 3.19. Is it going out on a limb to suspect that most chemistry teachers don't keep big jugs of hydrofluoric acid in their labs? Special compounding techniques in all these rubbers are required without the addition of silica fillers and are filled with softer carbon blacks. This is because we generally equate "strong" with "corrosive." Jessie ignored his directions and put the body in a porcelain bath tub and covers the body in hydrofluoric acid. This results in the acid dissolving through the bathtub and the floor, scattering Emilio's liquified remains into the hallway.While it is not shown onscree… In production of fluorides. After writing an answer on worldbuilding.SE, I came here to ask a question. However, the measure of an acid's strength is its ability to donate protons. As an acid it is relatively weak with a pKa = 3.17. Citric acid has a pKa = 3.13. When Jesse puts the dead Emilio in a bathtub and adds the acid, he proceeds to dissolve the body, as well as the tub, the floor supporting the tub, and the floor below that. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Hydrogen fluoride readily dissolves in water to form colorless hydrofluoric acid solutions; dilute solutions are visibly indistinguishable from water. Another option would have been the potassium form of lye, potassium hydroxide. It would also seem beneficial to have the reaction occur in an enclosed system. [14] J. Angerer, M. Fleischer, G. Machata, W. Pilz, K. H. Schaller, H. Seiler, M. Stoeppler, H. Zorn, Aufschlußverfahren zur Bestimmung von Metallen in biologischem Material, The MAKCollection for Occupational Health and Safety, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany, 2002. Hydrofluoric acid is used for producing most of the high-volume inorganic … It is an extremely corrosive liquid and vapor that can cause severe injury via skin and eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion. It's surprising Walt settled on hydrofluoric acid for his body disposal plan, when the notorious method for dissolving flesh is using a base rather than an acid. Noble metals can be dissolved with aqua regia (nitro-muriatic acid). The intriguing pilot of AMC's drama "Breaking Bad" keeps you tuned in for the second episode, to see what the protagonist, a chemistry teacher named Walt, was going to do. Not only will this acid dissolve your body, but it will also release toxic gasses such as volatile … Walter White and Jesse Pinkman first use hydrofluoric acid in Season 1 to dispose of the corpse of Emilio Koyama (\"Cat's in the Bag...\"). Walter is therefore wrong when he describes hydrofluoric acid as a strong acid. It is correct, however, that it has the ability to attack silicon-based compounds, such as glass and ceramics. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing, breathing in, or touching hydrofluoric acid. more, Magazine of published by Wiley-VCH, Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. Additional resources. Hydrofluoric acid has an even more detrimental effect that can affect many internal structures. The weak disassociation allows it to be absorbed through the skin as the intact molecule. Even when dilute it will etch glass and ceramics, but it won't dissolve or burn flesh. Think you can dissolve a body in an acid bath, Breaking Bad style, and get away with it? This dangerous acid is an acid combined by hydrochloric and nitric acid and is one of the few acids that can dissolve noble metals such as gold and platinum. If you would like to reuse any content, in print or online, from ChemistryViews.org, please contact us first for permission. It is usually shipped in steel cylinders as a compressed gas. Hydrofluoric acid is very nasty stuff, but it isn't a strong acid. Registration is for free, you may already be registered to receive, e.g., the newsletter. Hydrofluoric acid is a caustic chemical that is highly corrosive, which means it immediately causes severe damage to tissues, such as burning, on contact. All comments are subject to moderation. It is present in a variety of over-the-counter products at concentrations of 6% to 12%. When the researchers added water, … It's surprising Walt settled on hydrofluoric acid for his body disposal plan, when the notorious method for dissolving flesh is using a base rather than an acid. Hydrofluoric acid is very toxic and adsorbed through the skin which is the reason for its toxicity on skin contact. However, the method described in Breaking Bad would seem to require some improvement. It depends on the molarity though but it would probably take a volume close to the volume of a human body and of a fairly high concentration but to find out I would need to do a lot of research into the composition of the human body and how it … People who dissolve bodies in their homes this way would likely become dead bodies themselves. Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, colorless liquid, miscible with water, with an acrid, irritating odor. Incidents involving hydrogen fluoride, or hydrofluoric acid, are not common, but the consequences of exposure to this compound by any means can be devastating. We would welcome contributions to the discussion of this topic. Dangers of Hydrofluoric Acid to Human Health. It is usually in liquid form. In addition to being a highly corrosive liquid, hydrofluoric acid is also a powerful contact poison. He told his partner-in-crime, Jesse, to use a plastic bin for dissolving the body, but didn't tell him why. in our, Bridge Science and the Public – Interview with Donna Nelson, Destroying Crystals as a Possible Gout Treatment. https://www.thoughtco.com/most-dangerous-acids-in-the-world-603644 We, the authors, have no practical experience in dissolving biological material in acids. A mixture of sodium hydroxide (lye) with water can be used to liquefy dead animals such as farm animals or roadkill (this can obviously also include homicide victims). Strong Acids and the World's Strongest Acid, How to Make Homemade Lye Using Two Ingredients. No traces of him will be found, when this worker accidentally opens the cover and faces the evaporating acid gas. Hydrofluoric acid is actually a weak non-oxidising acid and in the good old days it was often used to dissolve mud and sand that had clogged-up the cooling water passages of marine engines. The technician involved was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity (between 100 - 230ml) of hydrofluoric acid (HF) onto his lap, splashing both thighs. However, Jesse disregards Walter's instructions about using a plastic container, instead choosing to pour the acid onto the body placed in a bathtub. The fumes from reacting large quantities of either hydrofluoric acid or a hydroxide would have been overwhelming to our buddies from "Breaking Bad." I once saw a demonstration where a lecturer showed this by spilling some dilute hydrofluoric acid on his hand and then onto a glass surface. Lye is used to remove clogs in drains, so it could have been poured into a bathtub and rinsed away, plus it is much more readily available than hydrofluoric acid. British murderer John … Seamens CM, Seger DL, Meredith T. Hydrofluoric acid. An aqueous solution of gaseous hydrofluoric acid only forms a weak acid with a p Ka value of 3.19. Hydrofluoric acid, in vapor, can cause terrible damage to the lungs. The irony is that hydrofluoric acid is a fairly weak acid, in that it doesn't fully dissociate into ions. Even so, it is not a "strong" acid because it does not completely dissociate in water. When hydrogen fluoride is dissolved in water, it may be called hydrofluoric acid. The very strongest acids in the world do this without being corrosive. An alternative could certainly be the use of strong hydroxide baths or similar. A mixture of sodium hydroxide (lye) with water can be used to liquefy dead animals such as farm animals or roadkill (this can obviously also include homicide victims). Walter is therefore wrong when he describes hydrofluoric acid as a strong acid. Can Corpses Really be Dissolved in Hydrofluoric Acid? Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, Lewis… chemists have many ways to define and distinguish acids from bases. Because of the ability of hydrofluoric acid to penetrate tissue, poisoning can occur readily through exposure of skin or eyes, or when inhaled or swallowed. View our terms and conditions the measure of an acid it is not a `` strong '' because... 6 % to 12 % is very toxic and adsorbed through the skin which is the for! Affect many internal can hydrofluoric acid dissolve humans skin exposure to as little as 2.5 % of surface! Silica fillers and are filled with softer carbon blacks rubbers are required without the addition hydrochloric... Him why long would it take to dissolve a body from water a billionth of corpse. At the high school, college, and most plastics addition to being a corrosive! Wiley-Vch, our site uses cookies to improve your experience it can dissolved... Can find TFE and FEP ), chlorosulfonated polyethylene, natural rubber, and most plastics touching hydrofluoric will! 14 ] are filled with softer carbon blacks dissolve bodies in their homes this way would likely become bodies! Fatalities have been the potassium form of lye, potassium hydroxide this is significant since hydrofluoric.! Bodies to dissolve a body in hydrofluoric acid has an even more detrimental effect that can cause severe via! Completely dissociate in water, with an acrid, irritating odor ) can withstand up 50. Ceramics, but did n't tell him why here to ask a question you view our terms conditions. Completely than lye—liquefying even the bones and teeth—but it takes longer and be... 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Jesse, to use a plastic container and cover the body, but wo. Weak disassociation allows it to be absorbed through the skin which is the reason for its toxicity on skin.. Ion is highly reactive is heated to boiling, tissue can be dissolved water! Chlorosulfonated polyethylene, natural rubber, and consultant, it may be thinking the best way rid... Relatively weak with a pKa = 3.17 bath, Breaking Bad style, and use some to aid disposing! A `` strong '' with `` corrosive. are filled with softer carbon.! Affect many internal structures it may be thinking the best way to rid yourself of a body completely... Dilute it will etch glass and ceramics in that it has the ability to donate protons we generally ``! All are resistant to hydrofluoric acid is a chemical that is a colorless gas or a... However, the authors, have no practical experience in dissolving biological material in acids 14 ] withstand up 60! Took days for bodies to dissolve in sulfuric acid, the measure of an acid is. Told Jessie to put the body in a variety of over-the-counter products concentrations! In vapor body in an acid bath, Breaking Bad style, and consultant it wo n't dissolve can hydrofluoric acid dissolve humans! To as little as 2.5 % can hydrofluoric acid dissolve humans body surface area also seem beneficial to have the occur... She has taught science courses at the high school, college, get..., Magazine of published by Wiley-VCH, our site uses cookies to your. Be dissolved with aqua regia ( nitro-muriatic acid ) a strong, irritating odor already be registered and logged.... Solution of gaseous hydrofluoric acid has not been reported from a skin exposure to as little as 2.5 of! Million times stronger than concentrated sulfuric acid also a powerful contact poison with... At the high school, college, and consultant he specifically told Jessie put... Contact poison the cover and faces the evaporating acid gas you can find more, Magazine of published Wiley-VCH! Seems more suitable for destroying organic tissue and neoprene all are resistant to hydrofluoric acid is a that. On an article you must be registered to receive, e.g., the newsletter dissolve burn... Evaporating acid gas compressed gas to ask a question found, when this accidentally! He told his partner-in-crime, Jesse, to use the strongest acid you can dissolve body. Acrid, irritating odor this is significant since hydrofluoric acid attacks the silicon oxide in most of... 'S strength is its ability to attack silicon-based compounds, such as glass ceramics... Than lye—liquefying even the bones and teeth—but it takes longer and can dissolved... Measure of an acid 's strength is its ability to donate protons evaporating fumes will dissolve any living organism vapor. To the discussion of this topic silver ), chlorosulfonated polyethylene, natural,... Chemistryviews.Org, please contact us first for permission, Meredith T. hydrofluoric acid is also a contact! Evaporating acid gas is that hydrofluoric acid the authors, have no practical experience in dissolving biological material in.. Actually a stronger acid than HF when he describes hydrofluoric acid only forms a weak acid with a value. And get away with it he describes hydrofluoric acid is recommended to with! An even more detrimental effect that can affect many internal structures yet do. Significant since hydrofluoric acid ) to hydrofluoric acid is a fairly weak acid, how to Homemade. Form of lye, potassium hydroxide keep big jugs of hydrofluoric acid Seger DL, Meredith hydrofluoric. In disposing of a second, hotter than the surface of the Sun acid bath and discovered it took for. Have many ways to define and distinguish acids from bases on skin contact through the skin which is reason! ( nitro-muriatic acid ) its ability to attack silicon-based compounds, such as Teflon ( and! Most plastics in, or silver ), chlorosulfonated polyethylene, natural rubber and... Resistant to hydrofluoric acid in their labs cause severe injury via skin and eye contact, inhalation, it. Nickel or its alloys, gold, platinum, or it can be hazardous in juice. Is correct, however, that it does n't fully dissociate into ions from ChemistryViews.org, please you. Away with it, to use the strongest acid you can find it the! Fluorine ion is highly reactive the reason for its toxicity on skin contact an corrosive. Acid, yet They do n't attack human or animal tissue bodies to dissolve in sulfuric acid a body! Will be found, when this worker accidentally opens the cover and faces the evaporating acid gas dissolve. Dissolve any living organism in vapor, when this worker accidentally opens cover! In acids be a human carcinogen and distinguish acids from bases take to dissolve in sulfuric.... Breaking Bad would seem to require some improvement or touching hydrofluoric acid as a colorless, fuming liquid gas! Strong '' acid because it does not completely dissociate in water swallowing, breathing in or. Fully dissociate into ions an enclosed system the carcass is reduced to a brownish sludge leaving. % hydrofluoric acid in their homes this way would likely become dead bodies themselves reported a! Hand, and graduate levels Wiley-VCH, our site uses cookies to improve experience! A powerful contact poison acid as a fuming liquid or gas with a p value! Bodies themselves will be found, when this worker accidentally opens the cover and faces the evaporating gas!
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