Fluoride
| Formula / Notation | F⁻; HF Ka = 6.8×10⁻⁴; fluorapatite Ca₅(PO₄)₃F |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | F⁻, fluoride ion, hydrofluoride (HF), fluoride salt |
What is Fluoride?
A compound containing the fluoride ion (F⁻) or fluorine bonded to another element. Fluorides occur naturally in minerals like fluorite (CaF₂). Sodium fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and toxic.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: F⁻, fluoride ion, hydrofluoride (HF), fluoride salt
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A compound containing the fluoride ion (F⁻) or fluorine bonded to another element. Fluorides occur naturally in minerals like fluorite (CaF₂). Sodium fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and toxic.
Fluoride is added to drinking water and toothpaste (0.1% NaF or SnF₂) for dental caries prevention. Industrial uses include HF in semiconductor etching, uranium enrichment (UF₆), PTFE and fluorocarbon production, and as a flux in metal casting (CaF₂). Sodium fluoroacetate is a rodenticide.
Hydrofluoric acid is uniquely hazardous: it penetrates skin and deeply damages tissue, causing hypocalcaemia (Ca²⁺ sequestration by F⁻). Calcium gluconate gel is the first-aid antidote. HF must be handled with specific acid-resistant gloves (neoprene/butyl rubber). Fluoride in drinking water above 1…
The formula or notation for Fluoride is: F⁻; HF Ka = 6.8×10⁻⁴; fluorapatite Ca₅(PO₄)₃F