7632. Potassium Fluoride

Nomenclature

CAS number: 7789-23-3
Potassium fluoride (KF).
FK; mol wt 58.10.
F 32.70%, K 67.29%.
KF.

Description and references

Prepd by thermal decompn of KHF2 or by neutralizing HF with K2CO3: Lange, Eichler, Z. Phys. Chem. 129, 285, 286 (1927); Kwasnik in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry vol. 1, G. Brauer, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1963) p 236. Toxicity data: Simonin, C. R. Seances Soc. Biol. Ses Fil. 124, 133 (1937).

Properties

Cubic crystals (NaCl lattice). Usually obtained as white, deliquesc powder or solid. Poisonous. d 2.481. mp 859.9°. bp 1505°. Soly in water (g/100 ml): 92.3 (18°); 96.4 (21°). Very freely sol in boiling water. Also sol in aq HF, liquid NH3. Insol in alcohol unless water is present. May be stored in aluminum containers. Attracts moisture from the air. Aq solns corrode glass and porcelain. MLD in guinea pigs (mg/kg): 250 orally, 350 s.c.; in frogs (mg/kg): 375 s.c. (Simonin).

Derivative

Dihydrate.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 13455-21-5
FK.2H2O; mol wt 94.13.
F 20.18%, K 41.54%, H 4.28%, O 33.99%.

Properties

Monoclinic crystals, mp 41°. Soly in water (18°): 349.3 g/l00 ml.

Derivative

Tetrahydrate.

Nomenclature

CAS number: 34341-58-7
FK.4H2O; mol wt 130.16.
F 14.60%, K 30.04%, H 6.20%, O 49.17%.

Properties

Crystals, mp 19.3°.

Caution

Irritating to skin, eyes, mucous membranes.

Use

In the fluorination of organic compds; in flux for hard solder; to prevent unwanted fermentations; in insecticide formulations; for frosting glass. Complexing agent.