fluoric

Fluoric refers to compounds containing fluorine, particularly hydrogen fluoride (HF) or its derivatives. Hydrogen fluoride is a highly corrosive and toxic chemical that is a precursor to most fluorine-containing organic compounds. It is used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of refrigerants, pharmaceuticals, and Teflon. Fluoric acid, a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water, is also used in etching glass and in metal pickling.

Elemental fluorine is the most electronegative element and reacts vigorously with most substances. Its compounds are often stable but can be highly reactive in certain conditions. The term "fluoric" can also appear in older chemical nomenclature, sometimes referring to compounds that are now classified differently, such as "fluoric acid" which is now known as hydrofluoric acid. The presence of fluorine atoms in organic molecules can significantly alter their properties, leading to increased stability, lipophilicity, and altered biological activity. This has made fluorinated compounds essential in many areas of modern chemistry and industry.