How to Find Out More About Fluorine

Fluorine, the ninth element in the periodic table, isn't used much in elemental form because it is so reactive, but it is an element that has an interesting history. Fluorine has much to offer students not only of science but also of history, and a little research will shed light on this fascinating element.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• A periodic chart

1. Read up on Latin roots and history. Look for information on why fluorine is named for the Latin word "fluere," meaning flow or flux. A flux is a material that facilitates the soldering or brazing of metals. Be sure to look for facts about how hydrofluoric acid contains fluorine and can be used as a flux.
2. Research Henri Moissan, who first recognized fluorine as an element and isolated it in 1886.
3. Read about geology to understand why fluorine is obtained mainly from the mineral fluorite or fluorspar, although other sources include apatite and cryolite. Find out why it is mined in China, Mongolia, Russia, Mexico and South Africa, and study mining and chemical manufacturing techniques to learn how it is produced by electrolysis of potassium hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen fluoride.
4. Search chemistry and physics Web sites and books to learn about the best-known aspect of fluorine—its extreme electronegativity. Make sure to look for facts about fluorine's appearance, reactivity and other chemical and physical properties.
5. Look for information on chemical properties to understand why fluorine's active chemistry makes it useful in many products, including several high-temperature plastics. Study industrial applications including the fact that some fluoride salts are useful in the metal industry, especially in the production of aluminum and uranium. Research additional uses to learn how fluorochloro-hydrocarbons are used in air conditioners and refrigerators.
6. Search for information on biochemistry to learn why fluorine salts are critical to mammals in trace amounts for strengthening bones and teeth. Be sure to know that most cities add fluorine salts to their water supply for this purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Fluorine and fluoride ions are both highly toxic. The maximum allowable concentration is 1 part per million by volume for an eight-hour time-weighted exposure. Fluorocarbons have been implicated in the depletion of Earth's ozone layer.