Potassium fluorosilicate

Chemical properties

White, odorless, crystalline powder. D 3.0. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in hydrochlo- ric acid.

The Uses of Potassium fluorosilicate

In the manufacture of opalescent glass, in porcelain enamels, in insecticides. Also used in aluminum metallurgy.

The Uses of Potassium fluorosilicate

Potassium hexafluorosilicate is used in the production of porceleins. It is also used for the preservation of timber. It is involved in the manufacturing of ceramics, aluminum and magnesium smelting. In addition, it is used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of optical glass.

General Description

A white, odorless crystalline powder. Denser than water. Contact may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Potassium fluorosilicate has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive.

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong irritant to tissue.

Health Hazard

Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.

Industrial uses

Potassium fluorosilicate is a white to yellowish powder, poorly soluble in water (0.68% at 20 °C). Because of its poor solubility, it is not commonly used as a modifying reagent.

Safety Profile

A poison by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. Ingestion can cause vomiting and dtarrhea. A strong irritant. Incompatible with hydrofluoric acid. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of SiF4, K3SiF7, and KF.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it several times from conductivity water (100mL/g) between 100o and 0o.