In which state does the bifluoride anion exist?


> 
> **Statement 1**. The $\ce{HF2-}$ ions exist in solid state and also in
>  liquid state but not in aqueous state.  
> 
> **Statement 2**. The magnitude of hydrogen bonding between $\ce{HF}$ is weaker than that between $\ce{HF}$ and $\ce{H2O}$ 
> 
> 
> 1. Both are correct and 2 explains 1
> 2. Both are correct but 2 does not explain 1
> 3. 1 is correct and 2 false
> 4. 2 is correct and 1 false
> 
> 
> 


The answer given is 1.


I know the second statement to be true. $$\Delta H (\ce{H-F...O})=40{-}45\text{ kJ/mol},\Delta H(\ce{H-F...F})=20{-}23\text{ kJ/mol}$$


But I am completely unsure about statement 1 and the relation of the two statements. I think the existence of the afforementioned ion in aqueous solution must not be absent, as I have read somewhere that this ion acts as the conjugate base of the molecule $\ce{H2F2}$ which dissociates into hydrofluoric acid. 




[Wikipedia page for for bifluoride anion](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifluoride). The question's answer appears to be true, with explanation and references.


The fluorohydrogenate group $\ce{-HF-}$ in anions such as bifluoride can assimilate a proton by recombination:


$$\ce{HF2- + H+ -> H2F2 -> 2 HF}$$


Because of this capture of a proton ($\ce{H+}$), bifluoride has basic character. Its conjugate acid is the reactive intermediate, μ-fluoro-fluorodihydrogen ($\ce{H2F2}$), which subsequently dissociates to become hydrogen fluoride. In solution, most bifluoride ions are dissociated.


$\ce{HF2- + 3H2O}$ is in a favored equilibrium with $\ce{2H3OF + HO-}$


This makes for an interesting oxygen coordination sphere re the other lone pair of electrons. One presumes it is hydronium fluoride in which the fluoride is bonded to a proton with a delocalized charge. 


I've worked with aqueous ammonium hydrogen bifluoride as a silicate etchant. The solution has tremendous surface tension. A drop of Fluorad surfactant was necessary to have things work. $\ce{HF}$ will reach out and eat you. $\ce{NH4HF2}$ is fairly benign. No skin contact! Don't work in Pyrex.


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