Aluminum fluoride

Chemical properties

Aluminum fluoride, AlF3, is an anhydrous crystalline powder with a melting point of 1291 "C. Aluminum fluoride (hydrated), AlF3·3^1/2H20, is a white crystalline powder that is insoluble in water.

The Uses of Aluminum fluoride

Production of aluminum to lower the melting point and increase the conductivity of the electrolyte, flux in ceramic glazes and enamels, manufacture of aluminum silicate, catalyst.

The Uses of Aluminum fluoride

Aluminum fluoride is used to produce lowmelting aluminum metal, as a flux in ceramic glazes and white enamels, and as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

The Uses of Aluminum fluoride

In ceramics, as flux in metallurgy, in aluminum manufacture, as inhibitor of fermentation, as catalyst in organic reactionsAluminum fluoride is used in the smelting process to lower the melting point of electrolytes, production of aluminum silicates, refining of aluminum scarp, production of specialty refractory products, and in glass industry as filler. It is used as flux ingredient to remove magnesium.

General Description

Odorless white powder or granules. Denser than water. Solubility in water at 25°C equals 0.559 g / 100 mL.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly soluble in water

Reactivity Profile

Aluminum fluoride when heated to sublimation condition, emits toxic fumes of fluoride [USCG, 1999].

Hazard

Strong irritant to tissue.

Health Hazard

ACUTE: respiratory irritation; possible nose bleeding or vomiting; CHRONIC: aggravates bronchitis/asthma; increased bone density.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: When heated to sublimation condition, emits toxic fumes of fluoride

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion. Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. A severe eye irritant. Violently impact-sensitive when in contact with Na and K. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of F-. See also FLUORIDES and ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS.

Potential Exposure

Used as component of electrolyte from which aluminum metal is produced; in the manufacture of ceramics, enamels, aluminum silicate; as flux in metallurgy; as a fermentation inhibitor

Shipping

UN3260 Corrosive solid, acidic, inorganic, n.o.s., Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material, Technical Name Required. UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Reacts violently with potassium or sodium

Waste Disposal

Neutralize with soda ash; add slaked lime; let stand for 24 hours. Transfer sludge to sewage facility.