Sodium Fluoride - Multi-Grade Chemical for Dental, Water Treatment & Electronics
Product Description
Sodium fluoride (NaF, CAS 7681-49-4) is a white, highly water-soluble crystalline powder used in toothpaste and mouthwash and in controlled water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay. It also serves as a fluorinating agent and precursor in electronics, medical blood tubes, metal treatment, glass, ceramics and chemical manufacturing.
Product Overview
Sodium fluoride (NaF, CAS 7681-49-4) is an inorganic alkali fluoride supplied as a white crystalline powder or crystals. It is highly soluble in water, giving a weakly alkaline solution, and is difficult to dissolve in ethanol. Fluoride ions react with hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel to form the more acid-resistant fluorapatite, which supports its best-known oral-care uses. It is also a basic fluorinating agent and precursor for fluorine-containing chemicals used in electronics, medical testing, metal treatment, glass and ceramics.
| CAS No. | 7681-49-4 |
| Molecular Formula | NaF |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or crystals |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; difficult to dissolve in ethanol |
| Aqueous solution | Weakly alkaline |
| Properties | Toxic; handle with care |
Key Benefits
- Anti-caries ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash
- Used in controlled public water fluoridation
- Basic fluorinating agent for electronic chemicals
- Blood tube additive that preserves glucose samples
- Flux and pickling aid in metal treatment
Applications
- Oral care — added to toothpaste and mouthwash; fluoride forms acid-resistant fluorapatite on enamel to prevent caries
- Water fluoridation — very low concentrations added to public water supplies as a dental health measure
- Electronics — raw material and precursor for synthesizing fluorine-containing electronic chemicals
- Medical use — additive in glucose blood collection tubes that inhibits glycolysis, plus a mild bactericide and preservative
- Metal surface treatment — flux for aluminum welding and brazing, and an additive in stainless steel pickling
- Chemical manufacturing — raw material for other fluorides, insecticides and specialty chemicals
- Glass, ceramics and steel — opacifying agent, flux and smelting aid
- Wood preservation — fungicide and insecticide, now restricted in many regions
Safety, Packing & Storage
Sodium fluoride is toxic. Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, strictly separated from acids, food, feed and oxidizers. Use local or general ventilation to avoid dust, wear chemical-resistant clothing and a dust mask, wash exposed skin after handling and seek medical attention if unwell.
FAQ
Q: What is sodium fluoride used for?
A: Oral care, water fluoridation, electronic chemicals, medical blood tubes, metal treatment, glass, ceramics and chemical manufacturing.
Q: What are its CAS number and molecular formula?
A: CAS 7681-49-4, molecular formula NaF.
Q: How does it help prevent tooth decay?
A: Fluoride reacts with enamel hydroxyapatite to form fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid erosion.
Q: How should it be stored?
A: In a cool, dry, ventilated place, separated from acids, food and oxidizers.
