Potassium fluoride

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Potassium fluoride
IUPAC name Potassium fluoride
Identifiers
CAS number [7789-23-3]
RTECS number TT0700000
Properties
Molecular formula KF
Molar mass 58.10
Appearance colourless crystals
Density 2.48 g/cm3
Melting point

846 °C

Boiling point

1505 °C

Solubility HF
Hazards
NFPA 704
0
3
0
 
R-phrases 23/24/25
S-phrases 26-45
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Potassium fluoride is the chemical compound with the formula KF. After hydrogen fluoride, KF is the primary source of the fluoride ion for applications in manufacturing and in chemistry. It is an alkali metal halide and occurs naturally as the rare mineral carobbiite. Aqueous solutions of KF will etch glass due to the formation of soluble fluorosilicates, although HF is more effective.

Contents

[edit] Applications in organic chemistry

In organic chemistry, KF is the preferred source of fluoride for the conversion of chlorocarbons into fluorocarbons.[1] Such reactions usually employ polar solvents such as dimethyl formamide, ethylene glycol, and dimethyl sulfoxide.[2]

[edit] Safety considerations

Like other sources of the fluoride ion, F, KF is poisonous, although lethal doses approach gram levels for humans. It is harmful by inhalation and ingestion, highly corrosive and skin contact may cause severe burns.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Vogel, A. I.; Leicester, J.; Macey, W. A. T. “n-Hexyl Fluoride” Organic Syntheses, Collected Volume 4, p.525 (1963). http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/pdfs/CV4P0525.pdf
  2. ^ Han, Q.; Li, H-Y. "Potassium Fluoride" in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, 2001 John Wiley & Sons,New York. DOI: 10.1002/047084289X.rp214

[edit] External links