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PCF8574: Datasheet does not specify connection of thermal pad

Part Number: PCF8574

Tool/software:

The datasheet for the PCF8574RGTR shows the thermal pad as pin 17 in the mechanical and soldermask diagrams but on the pinouts  page does not mention if pin 17/exposed thermal pad should be connected to GND, VCC or NC. Is this pin purely thermal and should be specified NC or is it safe to connect it to ground?