Sodium fluoride

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Sodium fluoride is an inorganic compound with the formula NaF. It is a colorless or white solid that is readily soluble in water. Sodium fluoride is used in various applications, including dental care, water fluoridation, and as a preservative in wood and adhesives.

Chemical Properties

Sodium fluoride is a simple ionic compound, consisting of the sodium cation (Na⁺) and the fluoride anion (F⁻). It has a molar mass of 41.99 g/mol and a density of 2.558 g/cm³. The compound has a melting point of 993 °C and a boiling point of 1,704 °C.

Production

Sodium fluoride is typically produced by neutralizing hydrofluoric acid (HF) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). The reaction with sodium hydroxide is as follows:

HF + NaOH → NaF + H₂O

Applications

Dental Care

Sodium fluoride is widely used in toothpaste and mouthwash to prevent dental caries. It helps to remineralize enamel and inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.

Water Fluoridation

Sodium fluoride is also used in the process of water fluoridation, which involves adding fluoride to public water supplies to reduce the incidence of tooth decay in the population.

Preservative

In addition to its dental applications, sodium fluoride is used as a preservative in wood and adhesives to protect against microbial degradation.

Health and Safety

While sodium fluoride is beneficial in small amounts, excessive exposure can lead to fluorosis, a condition that affects the teeth and bones. It is important to regulate the concentration of sodium fluoride in consumer products and water supplies to avoid adverse health effects.

Related Pages

• Fluoride
• Hydrofluoric acid
• Sodium hydroxide
• Water fluoridation
• Dental caries
• Toothpaste