Fluorine – F2, 7782-41-4

Fluorine, known as F2, is a highly reactive, pale yellow gas that can easily react with other elements to form compounds. It is commonly used in fluoridating water and in the production of various chemicals.

IUPAC NameFluorine
Molecular FormulaF2
CAS Number7782-41-4
SynonymsMolecular fluorine, Diatomic fluorine, Fluoro, Fluor gas, UN 1045, Anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, Halon 1301
InChIInChI=1S/F2/c1-2

Fluorine Properties

Fluorine molar mass

The molar mass of F2, or molecular weight, is 38.00 g/mol. This means that one mole of F2 gas weighs 38.00 grams. The molar mass is an important property of any substance, as it is used to convert between mass and moles. In the case of F2, it is also used to calculate the amount of gas in a given volume.

Fluorine boiling point

The boiling point of F2 is -188.12°c or -306.62°f. This is a very low boiling point, which means that F2 gas is a volatile substance that can easily change from a liquid to a gas. The boiling point of F2 is also an indication of its reactivity, as it is highly reactive with other elements and compounds.

Fluorine melting point

The melting point of F2 is -219.62°c or -363.32°f. This is also a very low melting point, which means that F2 gas can easily change from a solid to a liquid. However, due to the high reactivity of F2, it is not commonly found in its solid form.

Fluorine density g/ml

The density of F2 gas is 1.696 g/ml at standard temperature and pressure (stp). This means that one liter of F2 gas weighs 1.696 grams. The density of F2 is higher than most gases, which makes it slightly more difficult to work with.

Fluorine molecular weight

The molecular weight of F2 is 38.00 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic weight of two F atoms, which are each 19.00 g/mol. The molecular weight of F2 is important in understanding its chemical properties, such as its reactivity and bond strength.

Fluorine structure

Fluorine

The structure of F2 is simple, as it is composed of two F atoms that are covalently bonded. The bond between the two atoms is a single bond, meaning that they share one pair of electrons. The structure of F2 is important in understanding its reactivity, as the bond between the two atoms is relatively weak and easily broken.

Fluorine Formula

The formula for fluorine is simply F2, as it is composed of two F atoms that are covalently bonded. The formula is important in understanding the composition of the substance and its chemical properties, such as its molar mass and reactivity.

AppearancePale yellow gas
Specific Gravity1.108 (at -196°C)
ColorColorless
OdorPungent
Molar Mass38.00 g/mol
Density1.696 g/mL
Melting Point-219.62°C (-363.32°F)
Boiling Point-188.12°C (-306.62°F)
Flash PointNot applicable
Water SolubilityReacts violently
SolubilityInsoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents
Vapor Pressure13.6 atm at 20°C
Vapor Density1.3 (air=1)
pKaNot applicable
pHNot applicable

Fluorine Safety and Hazards

F2 is a highly reactive and dangerous substance that poses significant safety hazards. It can react violently with many materials, including water, metals, and organic compounds. F2 gas is also toxic and can cause severe respiratory and skin irritation. Handling F2 requires specialized equipment and training, and appropriate safety measures must be taken to prevent exposure and accidents. In case of exposure or accidents, immediate medical attention is required. Due to the safety hazards associated with F2, it is strictly regulated and should only be handled by trained professionals in controlled laboratory environments.

Hazard SymbolsT+ (Very Toxic), C (Corrosive)
Safety DescriptionDo not breathe gas, Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection, Store in a cool and dry place
UN IDsUN1045 (Compressed gas)
HS Code2804.70.00
Hazard Class2.3 (Poison gas), 8 (Corrosive)
Packing GroupI (Great Danger)
ToxicityHighly toxic, can cause severe respiratory and skin irritation, may be lethal at high concentrations

Fluorine Synthesis Methods

Several methods can synthesize F2, including electrolyzing a mixture of molten potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride, reacting F-containing compounds with oxidizing agents, and reacting certain metals with hydrogen fluoride.

Synthesizing F2 gas involves passing an electric current through a mixture of molten potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride in the electrolysis method, which results in the formation of F2 gas at the anode.

The reaction method involves the reaction of a F-containing compound, such as potassium fluoride or sodium fluoride, with an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine gas or potassium permanganate. This results in the release of F2 gas.

Another method involves the reaction of hydrogen fluoride with certain metals, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt. The metal reacts with the hydrogen fluoride to form a metal fluoride and hydrogen gas. Additionally, further, react the resulting hydrogen gas with additional hydrogen fluoride to produce more F2 gas.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on various factors, such as availability of starting materials, cost, and efficiency.

Fluorine Uses

F2 gas has several important uses in various industries, including:

  • Production of uranium hexafluoride for nuclear fuel production
  • Companies produce various F-containing compounds, such as fluorocarbons, for use as refrigerants and solvents.
  • Etching and cleaning of semiconductor materials in the electronics industry
  • Production of high-performance plastics and polymers, such as Teflon and Kevlar
  • Production of high-temperature superconductors for use in electronics and other applications
  • Fluorination of organic compounds to improve their chemical and physical properties
  • Production of specialty glasses and ceramics with improved properties, such as increased durability and resistance to corrosion
  • Synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals with improved efficacy and stability
  • Used in analytical chemistry for the analysis of trace elements and isotopes.

Questions:

Q: Is F2 polar or nonpolar?

A: F2 is a nonpolar molecule because the two F atoms have the same electronegativity and share electrons equally.

Q: What is the bond order of F2?

A: The bond order of F2 is 1 because it is a homonuclear diatomic molecule with a single covalent bond.

Q: Is F2 paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

A: F2 is paramagnetic because it has two unpaired electrons in its bonding molecular orbital.

Q: What is the molar mass of F2?

A: The molar mass of F2 is approximately 38.00 g/mol.

Q: Is fluorine a diatomic molecule?

A: Yes, fluorine is a diatomic molecule because it consists of two atoms of F bonded together.

Q: What occurs when two F atoms react to produce a fluorine molecule?

A: When two F atoms react to produce a F2 molecule, they share a pair of electrons to form a single covalent bond. This results in the formation of a stable, diatomic molecule with the chemical formula F2.