Abstract

There are two fluoride salts of ammonia: ammonium fluoride, principally a laboratory reagent, and ammonium bifluoride, used primarily as a less hazardous substitute for hydrofluoric acid. In addition to frosting glass, uses of the bifluoride include removing scale from boiler tubes and defouling oil wells. Properties, manufacture, and applications are described.

Lithium fluoride resembles the alkaline-earth fluorides more closely than the alkali metal fluorides. It is used primarily in the ceramics industry. Properties and manufacture are described.

Magnesium fluoride has a very low chemical reactivity and high optical transparency. It finds application in uv windows. Properties and manufacture are described.

The two stable potassium fluoride salts, potassium fluoride and potassium bifluoride, both have commercial value. The former as a flux, in electroplating, and in synthesis; the latter as a flux and in the manufacture of fluorine. Properties and manufacture are described.