Fluorosalts

Fluorosalts are a class of ionic compounds characterized by the presence of the fluoride anion (F⁻). They are formed by the reaction of a metal or a nonmetal cation with hydrofluoric acid or other fluorinating agents. The fluoride anion is the most electronegative element, which significantly influences the properties of fluorosalts. Many fluorosalts are solids at room temperature and exhibit a wide range of solubilities in water, depending on the nature of the cation. For instance, alkali metal fluorides like sodium fluoride (NaF) are generally soluble, while alkaline earth metal fluorides such as calcium fluoride (CaF₂) are often sparingly soluble or insoluble.

Fluorosalts find applications in various industries. Some are used as fluxes in metallurgy, for example, cryolite (Na₃AlF₆) in aluminum production. Others serve as components in dental products to prevent cavities, like sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride (SnF₂). Certain fluorosalts, such as hexafluorophosphates (PF₆⁻) and hexafluoroantimonates (SbF₆⁻), are employed as non-coordinating anions in advanced electrochemical applications, including electrolytes for batteries and ionic liquids. The study of fluorosalts is important for understanding chemical bonding, crystal structures, and their diverse practical uses.