Thorium(IV) fluoride
(Redirected from Thorium tetrafluoride)
Thorium(IV) fluoride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula ThF₄. It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly stable and is used in various applications, particularly in the field of optics and nuclear energy.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Thorium(IV) fluoride is composed of thorium and fluorine, with thorium in the +4 oxidation state. The compound is known for its high melting point and chemical stability. It is insoluble in water and most acids, but it can react with strong bases.
Structure[edit | edit source]
-fluorid.png)
Thorium(IV) fluoride crystallizes in a structure similar to that of Uranium(IV) fluoride, with each thorium atom surrounded by eight fluorine atoms in a cubic arrangement. This structure contributes to its stability and high melting point.
Synthesis[edit | edit source]
Thorium(IV) fluoride can be synthesized by the reaction of thorium dioxide (ThO₂) with hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas at elevated temperatures. The reaction proceeds as follows:
- ThO₂ + 4 HF → ThF₄ + 2 H₂O
This method is commonly used in laboratories to produce high-purity thorium(IV) fluoride.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Thorium(IV) fluoride is primarily used in the production of optical coatings. Due to its low refractive index and high transparency in the infrared and ultraviolet regions, it is an ideal material for anti-reflective coatings on lenses and other optical components.
In the field of nuclear energy, thorium(IV) fluoride is used in the preparation of thorium-based nuclear fuels. It is also studied for its potential use in molten salt reactors, where it can be dissolved in a molten salt mixture to act as a fuel.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Thorium(IV) fluoride is considered to be a low-toxicity material, but it is radioactive due to the presence of thorium. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this compound, including the use of protective equipment and adherence to radiation safety guidelines.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
