Lithium Sulfate SolutionCAS #: 10377-48-7

Synonyms

 Dilthium sulfate; Lithiophor; Lithium sulfate, Anhydrous; Lithium sulfate (2:1); Sulfuric acid, dilithium salt; Lithium sulfate solution; Sulfuric acid, lithium salt (1:2)

Compound Formula: Li2O4S 

Molecular Weight: 109.945 

Appearance: White to clear liquid 

Melting Point: 859° C (1,578° F) 

Boiling Point: 1,377° C (2,511° F) 

Density: 2-C.22 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 109.984 

Monoisotopic Mass: 109.984

Product Introduction: Potassium Tetrafluoroborate (KBF₄, CAS #: 10377-48-7)

Potassium tetrafluoroborate, with the chemical formula KBF₄ and CAS number 10377-48-7, is a versatile inorganic compound composed of potassium cations (K⁺) and tetrafluoroborate anions (BF₄⁻). This white, crystalline solid is valued for its high thermal stability, low solubility in water, and resistance to hydrolysis, making it a key material in metallurgy, chemical synthesis, and electronics. Its unique combination of fluorine and boron moieties enables specialized applications in fluxing, etching, and as a source of fluoride ions in controlled reactions.

Chemical & Physical Properties

KBF₄ exhibits distinct properties that underpin its industrial utility:

Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (approximately 0.48 g/100 mL at 20°C) and insoluble in most organic solvents, which minimizes leaching and ensures stability in aqueous environments.

Thermal Stability: Melts at 530°C and decomposes above 600°C, releasing boron trifluoride (BF₃) and potassium fluoride (KF). This high thermal resilience allows use in high-temperature processes.

Hygroscopicity: Non-hygroscopic under normal conditions, resisting moisture absorption and maintaining its crystalline structure during storage and handling.

Density: Approximately 2.49 g/cm³, with a molar mass of 125.90 g/mol, and a cubic crystal structure that contributes to its mechanical stability.

Chemical Inertness: Resistant to hydrolysis compared to other fluoroborate salts, making it suitable for applications requiring controlled fluoride release.

Key Applications

Potassium tetrafluoroborate (CAS 10377-48-7) is employed in specialized industrial and research settings:

Metallurgy: Flux for Alloy Production

Acts as a flux in the production of aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys. It lowers the melting point of oxide impurities, facilitating their removal and improving metal purity. In aluminum refining, KBF₄ prevents oxidation of molten metal, enhancing casting quality and reducing defects.

Electroplating & Surface Treatment

Used in electroplating baths for nickel, copper, and tin coatings. It improves solution conductivity, ensures uniform deposition, and enhances adhesion of the metal layer to substrates. In surface treatment, it etches metal oxides to prepare surfaces for painting or bonding.

Chemical Synthesis: Fluorinating Agent

Serves as a source of fluoride ions in organic synthesis, enabling fluorination reactions for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty fluorinated compounds. It is also used in the preparation of other fluoroborate salts (e.g., LiBF₄, a lithium-ion battery electrolyte additive).

Electronics: Etching and Cleaning

Employed in the etching of silicon wafers and glass in semiconductor manufacturing. Its controlled fluoride release selectively removes oxide layers, enabling precise patterning of microelectronic components. It also cleans ceramic substrates in electronics assembly.

Laboratory Research: Analytical Reagent

Used as a standard in ion chromatography for fluoride ion detection and as a catalyst in certain organic reactions requiring mild fluorination conditions.

Advantages & Limitations

KBF₄ offers specific benefits for niche applications:

Controlled Reactivity: Its low solubility and resistance to hydrolysis provide gradual, predictable fluoride release, avoiding the aggressive behavior of more soluble fluorides like KF.

Thermal Stability: Withstands high temperatures in metallurgical processes without premature decomposition, ensuring consistent flux performance.

Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than specialty fluoroborate salts (e.g., ammonium tetrafluoroborate), making it suitable for large-scale industrial use.

Limitations: Low solubility restricts its use in liquid formulations requiring high fluoride concentrations. Decomposition at high temperatures releases toxic BF₃ gas, necessitating proper ventilation.

Synthesis & Quality Control

KBF₄ is produced through straightforward metathesis reactions:

Reaction of Potassium Fluoride with Boron Trifluoride: KF reacts with BF₃ in aqueous or organic solvent: 4KF + BF₃ → KBF₄ + 3KF (excess KF is removed via crystallization).

Neutralization of Boric Acid: Boric acid (H₃BO₃) reacts with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) to form KBF₄: H₃BO₃ + 4HF + KOH → KBF₄ + 4H₂O.

Quality control includes:

Titration to determine fluoride content (typically 98–99% purity for industrial grades).

X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify crystalline structure and detect impurities like KF or K₂B₄O₇.

Moisture analysis (Karl Fischer) to ensure <0.5% water, critical for preventing hydrolysis in sensitive applications.

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of KBF₄ is essential due to its fluoride content:

Toxicity: Inhalation or ingestion can cause fluoride poisoning, leading to gastrointestinal irritation, bone damage, or respiratory issues. Contact with skin/eyes may cause irritation.

Handling: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PTFE), goggles, and a dust mask when working with powders. Use in well-ventilated areas to avoid BF₃ exposure during high-temperature processes.

Storage: Keep in sealed containers in a cool, dry area, separate from strong acids (which release HF) and reducing agents.

Disposal: Dispose of waste as hazardous material in accordance with local regulations for fluoride compounds. Avoid release into soil or water.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency protocols.

Packaging & Availability

KBF₄ is available in forms tailored to industrial needs:

Crystalline Powder/Granules: Packaged in 25kg–50kg HDPE bags or drums, with moisture-proof liners to maintain purity.

Bulk Quantities: 500kg–1,000kg super sacks for large-scale metallurgical and chemical applications.

High-purity grades (99.5%) are available for electronics and laboratory use, with strict impurity controls (e.g., <10 ppm heavy metals).

For technical specifications, pricing, or custom grades, contact our team specializing in inorganic fluorides for industrial and electronics markets.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H302 

Hazard Codes: Xn 

Risk Codes: 22 

Safety Statements: N/A 

RTECS Number: OJ6419000 

Transport Information: N/A 

WGK Germany: 1

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2SO4 

Pubchem CID: 66320 

MDL Number: MFCD00011086 

EC No.: 233-820-4 

IUPAC Name: dilithium sulfate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].[Li+]. [O-]S([O-] )(=O)=O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/2Li.H 2O4S/c;;1-5(2, 3)4/h;;(H2,1,2, 3,4)/q2*+1;/p-2 

InchI Key: INHCSSUBVCNVSK-UHFFFAOYSA-L

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.