Lithium fluoride

Lithium fluoride (CAS 7789-24-4), commonly abbreviated as LiF, is an inorganic salt sourced for use across metallurgical, optical, and electronics manufacturing processes. It functions as a flux agent, catalyst component, and flame retardant across a range of industrial and specialty applications. In aluminum and beryllium metallurgy, LiF is used as a flux to lower melting points and improve melt flow during smelting and casting operations. The electronics industry relies on it as a raw material for producing optical components.

These components include X-ray and UV transmission windows, where its low atomic number and wide transmission range are critical to component performance. In polymer and plastics processing, it acts as a catalyst or catalyst precursor. This occurs in specific polymerization and esterification reactions. It is also incorporated into flame retardant formulations for textiles and paper, where it contributes to char formation and combustion suppression during use.

Lithium fluoride is supplied as a white crystalline powder or fine granules. Standard commercial grades include technical grade and high-purity optical or electronic grades, with purity levels typically ranging from 98% to 99.9%+. Pharmaceutical and specialty grades meeting USP or equivalent specifications are available for controlled applications. This ensures the material meets the rigorous demands of high-tech manufacturing and chemical synthesis.