Fluorine
Symbol: F
Atomic number:9
Average atomic mass:18.998
Properties
The group number is 17, Group name Halogen, and period number 2. Fluorine is the most reactive of all elements and no chemical substance is capable of freeing fluorine from any of its compounds,it does not occur free in nature and was extremely difficult for scientists to isolate.Fluorine is widely distributed in the earth's crust. Despite this, fluorine does not commonly occur in deposits sufficiently rich for commercial development Is an univalent poisonous gaseous halogen, it is pale yellow-green readily forms compounds with most other elements, even with the noble gases krypton, xenon and radon. Finly divided metals, glass, ceramics, carbon, and even water burn in fluorine with a bright flame. Elemental fluorime and the fluoride ion are highly toxic. The recommended maxium allowable concentration for a daily 8-hour time-weighted exposure is 1pm. It reacts with nearly all organic and inorganic materials, even with gold and platinum. Hydrogen and fluorine react with explosive violence. With water, fluorine forms hydrofluoric acid and ozone. Melting Point is -219.62 degC, Boiling point,-188.1 degC, and Density
1.7 The liquid has a clear yellow colour. Fluorine is a highly dangerous element, causing severe chemical burns on contact with the skin.
Applications/Uses
Fluorin is often added to toothpaste and, somewhat controversially, to municipal water supplies to prevent dental cavities. Flourine and its compounds are used in producing uranium and more than 100 commercial fluorochemicals including plastics. Fluorochlorohydrocarbons are used a lot in air conditioning and refrigeration. Fluorine and its compounds are used in producing isotopically fractionated uranium (from UF6). Helps oxygen burn. It reacts with nearly all organic and inorganic materials, even with gold and platinum. Hydrogen and fluorine react with explosive violence. With water, fluorine forms hydrofluoric acid and ozone. Fluorite is used in the refining of iron. Cryolite is used as a electrolyte in the production of aluminum
History/Discovery
It was discovered in 1886 by Henri Moissan in Paris, France.It can be found in rocks, coal and clay. The main mining areas for fluorite are China, Mexico and Western Europe. The name is derived from the Latin ‘fleure’, to flow.Fluorine was first identified by Scheele in 1771AD. Fluorine was first isolated by Moissan in 1886AD, when he noted the inclusion of fluorine in crystals of fluorspar from Quincie.
