Potassium fluoride

Potassium fluoride
IUPAC name	Potassium fluoride
Identifiers
CAS number	7789-23-3
PubChem	522689
EC number	232-151-5
RTECS number	TT0700000
Properties
Molecular formula	KF
Molar mass	58.0967 g/mol
Appearance	colourless crystals
Density	2.48 g/cm3
Melting point	858 °C
Boiling point	1505 °C
Solubility in water	92 g/100 mL (18 °C)
Solubility	soluble in HF insoluble in alcohol
Hazards
EU Index	009-005-00-2
EU classification	Toxic (T)
R-phrases	R23/24/25
S-phrases	(S1/2), S26, S45
NFPA 704	0 3 1
Flash point	Non-flammable
LD50	245 mg/kg (oral, guinea pig)
Related compounds
Other anions	Potassium chloride Potassium bromide Potassium iodide
Other cations	Lithium fluoride Sodium fluoride Rubidium fluoride Caesium fluoride
Y(what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox 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.

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]

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.

References

1. ^ Vogel, A. I.; Leicester, J.; Macey, W. A. T., "n-Hexyl Fluoride", Org. Synth., http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/orgsyn/prepContent.asp?prep=cv4p0525 ; Coll. Vol. 4: 525 
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

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