The bulk density of UF4 varies from about 2.0 g/cm3 to about 4.5 g/cm3 depending on the production process and the properties of the starting uranium compounds.

UF4 is generally chosen over related compounds because of the usefulness of the elements without isotope separation, better neutron economy and moderating efficiency, lower vapor pressure and better chemical stability.

Uranium tetrafluoride reacts stepwise with fluorine, first to give uranium pentafluoride and then volatile UF6: UF4 is reduced by magnesium to give the metal:[2] UF4 reacts slowly with moisture at ambient temperature, forming UO2 and HF.

As established by X-ray crystallography, the U centres are eight-coordinate with square antiprismatic coordination spheres.

[2][3] Like all uranium salts, UF4 is toxic and thus harmful by inhalation, ingestion, and through skin contact.