Potassium fluoride

Chemical properties

White, crystalline, deliquescent powder; sharp saline taste.Soluble in water and hydrogen fluoride, insoluble in alcohol.

Chemical properties

Potassium fluoride is a white crystalline solid.

The Uses of Potassium fluoride

The Uses of Potassium fluoride

Potassium fluoride is used in metal finishing, batteries, coatings and photographic chemicals. It is utilized for the study of ion-specific swelling and de-swelling of ampholytic polymer gels as well as in the measurement of electronic polarizabilities of ions in polymers of alkali halides. It finds application in the electronic industry as a metal surface treatment product. It is used as a preservative, a food additive, a catalyzer and a water absorbing agent. In the Finkelstein reaction, it is actively involved in the conversion of chlorocarbons to fluorocarbons using polar solvents like dimethyl formamide and ethylene glycol.

Definition

ChEBI: Potassium fluoride is a fluoride salt having K+ as the counterion. It has a role as a poison. It is a fluoride salt and a potassium salt.

Reactivity Profile

Potassium fluoride reacts with acids to evolve corrosive and toxic hydrogen fluoride. Aqueous solutions corrode glass and consequently are prepared and stored in polyethylene containers. The pure solid may be stored in glass containers. Reacts violently with (Pt + BrF3). [NTP 1992].

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant to tissue.

Health Hazard

TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. Experimental teratogenic effects. A corrosive irritant to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Mutation data reported. A very reactive material. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of K2O and F-. Used in etchmg glass, as a presewative, as an insecticide, and in organic synthesis. See also FLUORIDES and HYDROFLUORIC ACID.

Potential Exposure

Potassium fluoride is used in etching glass; as a preservative and insecticide.

Shipping

UN1812 Potassium fluoride, solid, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.

Incompatibilities

Incompatible with strong acids; reacts releasing hydrogen fluoride. Aqueous solutions corrode glass and consequently are prepared and stored in polyeth- ylene containers. The pure solid may be stored in glass containers. Reacts violently with (Pt 1 BrF 3 )