Fluorine
FLU-eh-reen
Fluorine (F) exists as a pale yellow gas with a pungent smell. It has the atomic number 9 in the periodic table and belongs in Group 17, the Halogens. It is a non metal with the symbol F.
Fluorine is a halogen gas located in Group 17 and has a wide number of uses due to its high reactivity. It is used in Toothpaste and antiseptics and widely used in the treatment of water to kill bacteria. Fluorine is the most reactive element in the periodic table due to its unique small nucleus and relatively low number of shells and electrons. It is highly corrosive and toxic to humans and has a very pungent odour. Fluorine was first used in 1530 by the German scientist Georgisu Agricola who used the mineral Fluorspar, more commonly known as Calcium Fluoride to extract metals from their ores. It was not until 1813 that the scientist Humphry Davy isolated Fluorine in the lab after collaborating with a number of scientists on Hydrofluoric acid. It is located in Group 17, the Halogens. It is a non metallic diatomic yellow gas at room temperature and it has a melting point of -219°c and a boiling point of -188°c.
FAQ's
Henri Moissan
1886
Uses
Used in refrigerants and other fluorocarbons. Also in toothpaste as sodium fluoride (NaF) and stannous fluoride (SnF2); also in Teflon.
Sources
Found in the minerals fluorite (CaF2) and cryolite(Na3AlF6). Electrolysis of hydrofluoric acid (HF) or potassium acid fluoride (KHF2) is the only practical method of commercial production.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
F
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