Lithium TellurideCAS #: 12136-59-3

Synonyms 

Dilithium telluride

Compound Formula: Li2Te 

Molecular Weight: 141.482 

Appearance: solid 

Melting Point: N/A 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 143.938 

Monoisotopic Mass: 143.938

Product Introduction: Potassium Fluoride (KF, CAS #: 12136-59-3)

Potassium fluoride (KF), identified by CAS number 12136-59-3, is an essential inorganic compound composed of potassium (K⁺) and fluoride (F⁻) ions. This white, crystalline solid is renowned for its robust chemical reactivity, high solubility, and thermal resilience, making it a staple in industrial manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and research laboratories. Its ability to release fluoride ions efficiently positions it as a versatile tool in applications ranging from fluorination reactions to metallurgical processes.

Core Chemical & Physical Traits

KF exhibits a unique set of properties that drive its widespread use:

Solubility: Extremely soluble in water (92 g/100 mL at 20°C) and miscible with polar organic solvents like methanol and ethanol. Aqueous solutions are strongly basic (pH ~12) due to fluoride ion hydrolysis, which generates hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

Thermal Stability: Boasts a high melting point (858°C) and boiling point (1,505°C), enabling reliable performance in high-temperature industrial operations such as metal smelting and ceramic firing.

Hygroscopic Nature: Absorbs moisture rapidly from the atmosphere, often forming a deliquescent solution if exposed to humid conditions. This necessitates airtight storage to maintain integrity.

Density: Anhydrous KF has a density of 2.48 g/cm³, while the dihydrate form (KF·2H₂O) is lighter at 1.91 g/cm³. Both forms are commercially available, with the anhydrous variant preferred for moisture-sensitive applications.

Reactivity: Acts as a potent source of fluoride ions, facilitating nucleophilic fluorination in organic chemistry and forming stable complexes with transition metals (e.g., Al³⁺, Fe³⁺) in solution.

Industrial & Scientific Applications

KF’s versatility shines across diverse sectors, leveraging its ionic properties and fluorinating potential:

Organic Synthesis: A key fluorinating agent in pharmaceutical and agrochemical production, where it introduces fluoride atoms into molecules to enhance biological activity. It is also used to synthesize specialty fluorinated compounds, including perfluorinated chemicals and fluoropolymers.

Metallurgy: Functions as a flux in aluminum and magnesium alloy processing, dissolving oxide impurities (e.g., Al₂O₃) to improve metal purity and casting quality. It lowers melting points, reducing energy consumption in smelting.

Glass Etching & Ceramics: Reacts with silica (SiO₂) in glass and ceramics to form soluble silicon tetrafluoride (SiF₄), enabling precise etching for decorative patterns, semiconductor wafers, and optical components.

Electroplating: Added to plating baths to adjust conductivity and promote uniform deposition of metals like nickel and copper, ensuring adhesion and reducing surface defects.

Water Treatment: Regulated use in municipal water fluoridation to maintain optimal fluoride levels (0.7–1.2 mg/L) for dental health, though applications are strictly monitored to prevent overexposure.

Laboratory Research: A foundational reagent for fluoride ion detection (via ion-selective electrodes), buffer preparation, and catalysis in reactions requiring fluoride as a nucleophile or ligand.

Strengths & Considerations

KF offers distinct advantages but requires careful handling:

Cost-Effective Fluoride Source: Provides an affordable alternative to specialized fluorinating agents, making it ideal for large-scale industrial processes.

Thermal Resilience: Withstands extreme temperatures, supporting its use in high-heat applications where other fluorides decompose.

Solubility Flexibility: Dissolves readily in both aqueous and organic systems, allowing integration into diverse reaction setups.

Challenges: Strong hygroscopicity demands moisture-free storage and handling. Its caustic aqueous solutions corrode metals (e.g., aluminum, zinc) and cause severe skin/eye irritation. Fluoride toxicity also requires strict dosage control in consumer-related applications.

Synthesis & Quality Assurance

KF is produced via two primary methods, ensuring high purity for industrial and research use:

Neutralization: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) reacts with hydrofluoric acid (HF) in aqueous solution:

KOH + HF → KF + H₂O

The solution is evaporated, and crystals are dried to yield anhydrous KF.

Metathesis: Potassium chloride (KCl) reacts with silver fluoride (AgF) in water, precipitating silver chloride (AgCl) and leaving KF in solution:

KCl + AgF → KF + AgCl↓

The filtrate is purified and crystallized to obtain high-purity KF.

Quality control involves:

Titration to confirm fluoride content (98–99% for industrial grades, 99.9% for laboratory use).

Ion chromatography to detect impurities (e.g., chloride, sulfate).

Karl Fischer titration to ensure moisture levels below 1% (anhydrous KF).

Safety Protocols

Due to its corrosive and toxic nature, KF requires stringent handling:

Storage: Seal in moisture-proof HDPE containers and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Separate from acids, metals, and oxidizers to prevent hazardous reactions.

Personal Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PTFE), goggles, a face shield, and a respirator when handling. Avoid skin contact or inhalation of dust.

Reactivity Risks: Reacts violently with strong acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄) to release toxic HF gas. Contact with metals (e.g., Al, Zn) generates flammable hydrogen gas.

Disposal: Adhere to local regulations for toxic fluoride waste. Neutralize solutions with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) to form insoluble CaF₂ before disposal.

Refer to the SDS for comprehensive safety guidelines and emergency response procedures.

Packaging & Supply

KF is available in formats tailored to application needs:

Anhydrous Powder/Granules: 1kg–25kg moisture-resistant bags; 50kg–500kg drums with inert gas purging for industrial use.

Dihydrate (KF·2H₂O): Packaged similarly for applications tolerating minimal moisture.

Aqueous Solutions: 10–50% w/w pre-dissolved solutions in 5L–200L plastic containers, ready for immediate use in etching or plating.

High-purity grades (99.9%) are available for laboratory and electronic applications.

For technical data, pricing, or bulk orders, contact our specialized team, experts in inorganic fluorides for industrial and research markets.

Health & Safety Information 

Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H260-H314 

Hazard Codes: F, C 

Precautionary Statements: P231+P232-P260-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P405-P501 

Risk Codes: N/A 

Safety Statements: N/A 

Transport Information: UN 1415 4.3/PG I 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2Te 

Pubchem CID: 82934 

MDL Number: N/A 

EC No.: 235-229-7 

IUPAC Name: N/A 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li][Te][Li] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/2Li.Te 

InchI Key: GKWAQTFPHUTRMG-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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.