fluorophosphoric

Fluorophosphoric refers to compounds containing the fluorophosphate anion, which has the chemical formula [PO2F2]−. This anion is a derivative of phosphoric acid where one or more oxygen atoms have been replaced by fluorine atoms. The most common and stable form is monofluorophosphoric acid, H2PO3F. Monofluorophosphoric acid is a colorless, viscous liquid. It is a weak acid and a strong oxidizing agent.

Monofluorophosphoric acid is found in some toothpastes as sodium monofluorophosphate, a source of fluoride ions. The fluoride ions help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. In these applications, the compound acts as a source of fluoride, which is incorporated into the hydroxyapatite of the teeth, forming fluorapatite, a more acid-resistant mineral.

The synthesis of monofluorophosphoric acid typically involves the reaction of phosphoric acid with hydrogen fluoride or a metal fluoride. Care must be taken during its preparation and handling due to its corrosive nature and potential to release toxic hydrogen fluoride gas upon decomposition. Other related fluorophosphates can exist, but monofluorophosphoric acid and its salts are the most industrially and biologically significant.