Fluorine

Fluorine: uses

The following uses for fluorine are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I'd be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses (please use the feedback mechanism to add uses).

• fluorine and its compounds are used in producing isotopically fractionated uranium (from UF₆)
• commercial fluorochemicals, including many well known high-temperature plastics
• hydrofluoric acid is extensively used for etching the glass of light bulbs, etc.
• fluorochloro hydrocarbons are used extensively in air conditioning and refrigeration
• in small amounts, fluorides in water sources prevent tooth decay. A constituent of toothpaste for the same reason. Soluble fluoride in drinking water (2 ppm) may cause mottled enamel in teeth of children acquiring permanent teeth.

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