Potassium fluoride
Description
Potassium fluoride (CAS 7789-23-3), commonly abbreviated as KF, is an inorganic fluoride salt used across chemical synthesis, surface treatment, and industrial processing. It functions primarily as a fluorinating agent, flux, and catalyst in manufacturing operations where controlled fluoride ion delivery is required.
In pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis, KF serves as a nucleophilic fluorinating reagent, enabling halogen-exchange reactions to introduce fluorine into active pharmaceutical ingredients and specialty intermediates.
Electronics manufacturers use it as a flux and surface treatment agent for metal components, improving solderability and removing oxide layers prior to assembly. This ensures high-quality connections in sensitive electronic devices.
In textile and leather processing, KF-based formulations act as preservatives and pH buffers, controlling microbial activity and maintaining process bath conditions. This helps in achieving consistent results during large-scale production cycles.
Flame retardant compounding also draws on KF as a precursor or synergist, particularly in formulations targeting polymer and fiber substrates. Its chemical properties make it a versatile component in modern material science applications.
Potassium fluoride is supplied as a white anhydrous powder or granules, with anhydrous and dihydrate forms both available commercially. Standard grades include technical, reagent, and pharmaceutical-grade material.
Purity levels typically range from 98% to 99%+, meeting various industrial requirements. Packaging options commonly include moisture-resistant bags and drums suited to the compound's hygroscopic handling requirements.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 857.9 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1502 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 2.48 g/cm³ (solid) |
| Flash Point | 1505°C |
| Appearance | White, crystalline, deliquescent powder; sharp saline taste.Soluble in water and hydrogen fluoride, insoluble in alcohol. |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | spray-dried |
| Water Solubility | 92.3 g/100 mL (18 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.3 hPa (885 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.363 |
| pH | 7.0-8.5 (25℃, 1M in H2O) |
| Log P | -0.77 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28261990 |
| UN Number | 1812 |
| ADR Class | 6.1 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
Potassium fluorure|Potassium fluoride (KF)|Fluorure de potassium|9082WG1G3F|Kali Fluoratum|RefChem:6156|Potassium monofluoride|Clocat F|KF
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