Properties of sodium fluoride and scope of use of the chemical

Sodium fluoride

Sodium fluoride

(
NaF
) is an inorganic compound with the formula NaF. It is used in trace amounts in the fluoridation of drinking water, toothpaste, in metallurgy as a flux, and is also used in pesticides and rat poison. It is a colorless or white solid, readily soluble in water. It is a common source of fluoride in the production of pharmaceuticals and is used to prevent tooth decay.

In 2021, it was the 247th most commonly prescribed drug in the United States, with more than one million prescriptions. [7] [8]

Receipt in industry

Sodium fluoride is a fairly useful compound, so it is synthesized on an industrial scale. World production is more than 10,000 tons per year. In most cases, the raw materials are hexafluorosilicates, which are also produced artificially. In production, they are subjected to alkaline hydrolysis, as a result of which sodium fluoride is released in the reaction mixture. But it still needs to be separated from impurities of silicon oxide and sodium silicate. This is often done by ordinary filtration.

But hexafluorosilicates, even upon thermal decomposition or upon interaction with sodium carbonate, can produce sodium fluoride. It can also be used in industrial synthesis.

There is also an industrial method for producing sodium fluoride from soda ash (sodium carbonate) and hydrofluoric acid. As a result of their interaction using filtration, it is possible to obtain a technically pure product:

Na2CO3 + HF → 2NaF + CO2 + H2O

Safety measures during storage and transportation

Whether sodium fluoride will cause harm or benefit depends on how well safety precautions are followed when working with a toxic substance. In production facilities where sodium fluoride is used, air composition is regularly analyzed to assess the MPC content. Employees who interact with toxic chemicals must wear personal protective equipment. The workplace is equipped with a forced ventilation system.

Transportation of sodium fluoride occurs by any means of transport. Warehousing and storage of toxic substances is possible only in dry, well-ventilated areas.

Obtained in the laboratory

There are other ways to obtain this compound in the laboratory. The simplest is the reaction of neutralization of sodium hydroxide with hydrofluoric acid. Another option: the interaction of sodium hydroxide with ammonium fluoride. Sodium hydroxide can also produce fluoride when reacted with simple fluorine.

In theory, sodium fluoride can also be obtained from simple substances: sodium and fluorine. This reaction proceeds very violently, although in practice it is carried out very rarely.

F2 + 2Na → 2NaF

Another method of preparation is the thermal decomposition of difluorohydrate and some complex salts. In this case, a product of very high purity is obtained.

Na(HF2) → NaF + HF

When simple fluorine is oxidized with sodium bromate or other sodium-containing oxidizing agents, sodium fluoride can be obtained as a product.

F2 + NaBrO3+ 2NaOH → NaBrO4 + 2NaF + H2O

By reacting boron trifluoride with sodium hydride, this salt can also be obtained.

BF3 + NaOH → Na3BO3 + NaF + H2O

Hazard Class

Sodium fluoride is toxic and poisonous. Sodium fluoride has been assigned hazard class 2. It is especially toxic if it enters the respiratory tract and digestive organs. Poisoning with the substance leads to disruption of the cardiovascular system, surges in blood pressure, and irritation of the gastric tract, including the appearance of ulcers.

Symptoms of sodium fluoride poisoning include:

• nausea, diarrhea and vomiting;
• salivation and lacrimation;
• drop in blood pressure;
• increased body temperature;
• visual impairment.

Sodium fluoride also causes harm when it comes into contact with the skin, which can cause severe chemical burns.

Chemical properties

In aqueous solutions, sodium fluoride dissociates and forms a complex compound.

NaF + 4H2O → [Na(H2O)4]+ + F-

When reacting with hydrofluoric acid, difluorohydrate is formed. But with an excess of hydrogen fluoride, other complex compounds can be formed, which are called sodium hydrofluorides. Their composition may vary depending on the ratio of reagents.

As can be seen from the chemical formula, sodium fluoride is a typical salt, so it undergoes exchange reactions with other salts if the reaction produces a precipitate or gas. When interacting with acids, hydrogen fluoride gas is released. And with lithium hydroxide a precipitate of lithium fluoride is formed.

Sodium fluoride can form other complex salts, depending on the reagents and reaction conditions.

Interaction

The instructions indicate that calcium salts bind fluorine-containing compounds in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, drugs based on aluminum or magnesium have a similar effect. Medicines that have enveloping properties also interfere with the absorption of fluoride, so they must be taken separately. Vitamins A and D can enhance the effect of sodium fluoride.

Treatment with sodium fluoride is effective in the fight against tooth decay and osteoporosis, but you should always follow your doctor's recommendations and periodically take blood tests to prevent possible side effects.

Application

Sodium fluoride has good antiseptic properties, so it is sometimes added to detergents. It is used for wood processing for the same reason. This salt solution helps fight mold, mildew and insects. Most often a three percent solution is used. It penetrates well into the wood and protects it from rotting. But this product has a drawback, due to which sodium fluoride is rarely used - it is easily washed out of the wood during rains, since this salt is highly soluble in water.

It is also used in the synthesis of certain chemical compounds, in particular freons and insecticides. Fluoride ions stop glycolysis (glucose oxidation), so sodium fluoride is used for biochemical studies.

It is often used in the metallurgical industry for cleaning metal surfaces, as well as during their melting and soldering. The substance is sometimes added to cement, making concrete resistant to acids, and to lubricants to improve heat-resistant qualities.

Its most controversial use is its addition to toothpastes. For teeth, sodium fluoride is a source of fluoride, which is necessary to give bones and teeth strength, and also serves to prevent caries. But with high consumption of this element, negative consequences can occur. Therefore, there is still debate about the use of fluoride as an additive in toothpaste.

What can be done?

Many researchers believe that fluoride does not have a safe dose. Even small regular doses cause stress on the body, accelerate aging, reduce health, and lead to the development of chronic diseases. Once a person stops consuming sodium fluoride, it becomes easier for the body to eliminate it from the body. The faster it leaves the body, the faster health will begin to improve. Who would agree to increase the risk of reducing the child's intelligence and their own, in order to reduce the small amount of dental caries? Although there is also no sufficient evidence on this issue – the issue of caries.

SO:

1 Do not use toothpaste with added fluoride. Such pastes include “Paradontax with fluoride”, “Colgate “Maximum protection against caries”, “Blend-a-Med with active fluoride”. Here the names speak for themselves, but if you want to be 100% sure that the paste does not contain fluoride, make sure that the composition does not contain the following compounds: - Monofluorophosphate; — Aluminum fluoride; — Sodium fluoride; - Aminofluoride (can also be found under the name olaflur); — Tin fluoride. Toothpastes without fluoride: “President”, “Splat”, “Rox”, “Asepta”, “New Pearl with Calcium” and a number of other toothpastes, the composition of which you can study on your own. 2 When buying milk, study the composition of the product. Do not purchase milk with added sodium fluoride. 3 If possible, purchase a multi-stage water purification system that uses reverse osmosis technology and install it in your home. Purifying your water this way will reduce the risk of fluoride toxicity.

Be vigilant in matters relating to your safety and the safety of your family and friends, and be healthy!

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Positive effects of fluoride on the body

Fluorine is a fairly important trace element in the human body, without which normal functioning is impossible. An adult should consume 0.03 mg of fluoride per kilogram of body weight per day. The child needs 5 times more.

The functions of fluoride in the body are very diverse. It promotes proper growth and formation of bones, hair and nails, as it stabilizes calcium during the mineralization process. This is especially important during the growth and development of children, as well as during fractures. This element is necessary to maintain immunity. Iron is better absorbed by the body if fluoride is involved in this process.

A deficiency of this element weakens tooth enamel and increases the risk of caries. In this case, children may develop defects in skeletal development. Adults are at risk of developing osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by decreased bone density, which increases bone fragility.

How to choose the right dosage

Your doctor should determine the dose. Instructions for the use of sodium fluoride indicate that for osteoporosis, the course of treatment should be long and last at least a year. The approximate dose for an adult is 0.015–0.02 grams 3 times a day. For preventive purposes, it is enough to take 1 tablet of sodium fluoride once a day. For the treatment of caries in a child, the dose ranges from 0.0011 to 0.0022 grams per day, but it must be agreed with the doctor. For children (age 16 years and older), mouth rinses with a 0.05–0.2% sodium fluoride solution are best.

Problems with excess fluoride in the body

Fluorosis can occur with increased fluoride content in the body. This disease is characterized by a number of irreversible consequences. In the initial stages of the disease, tooth enamel suffers. Spots of different shapes and colors appear on it. The stains are easily diagnosed by a dentist, and with timely treatment they can be easily eliminated. For bleaching, solutions of inorganic acids, hydrogen peroxide solutions, or solutions of other peroxides are often used. After enamel whitening, remineralization is carried out with a solution of calcium gluconate. When treating more severe forms of fluorosis, it is recommended to take calcium gluconate orally until the end of therapy. If erosion of tooth enamel occurs due to fluorosis, then composite materials are used and the shape of the tooth is restored, in much the same way as with filling.

To prevent this disease, you can reduce the intake of fluoride into the body if its concentration in drinking water is high. To do this, they usually replace the water source or simply filter it. You can also remove from your diet foods that contain a lot of fluoride: sea fish, animal oil, spinach. Adding vitamins C and D to your diet, as well as calcium gluconate, may help.

If excess fluoride is observed over a long period (10-20 years), bones begin to suffer. Osteosclerosis occurs, in which, unlike osteoporosis, bone density becomes higher than normal, which leads to a decrease in their elasticity. This can also cause frequent fractures. But there is no need to worry. Such a strong excess of fluoride in the body can only occur in people working in fluoride production without observing safety precautions.

Links[edit]

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Water fluoridation

As mentioned above, fluoride can be used to prevent tooth decay. For this reason, in the middle of the last century, fluoridation of tap water began to be used in some countries. Its essence is reminiscent of chlorination. A small amount of sodium fluoride or another component containing fluoride is added to water to give it certain properties. Today, 2/3 of all water in the United States is fluoridated.

In order for a person to receive the required amount of fluoride, according to the World Health Organization, drinking water should contain 0.5-1.0 mg of fluoride per liter. But ordinary water does not always contain such an amount, so it has to be increased artificially.

Fluoridation of water does not affect its taste or smell in any way. Thanks to this process, the risk of caries is greatly reduced, especially among children. This happens because fluoride kills bacteria that can dissolve tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

Of course, an increased fluoride content can lead to fluorosis, but, according to authoritative studies, water fluoridation cannot be the cause of the development of this pathology. There are also no other side effects observed with this water. Although recently some low-quality studies have emerged that suggest otherwise. The myth that water fluoridation serves as a method for recycling fluorides, which is a waste product from aluminum plants, was also gaining popularity. But this version has not been confirmed.

Drinking fluoridated water is not recommended only for certain diseases: diabetes, hormonal disorders, arthritis, diseases of the thyroid gland, kidneys and heart.

In any case, it is easy to rid water of the presence of fluoride. Filters operating on the principle of reverse osmosis remove almost all fluoride, and distillation purifies the water completely of it. Household filters can also partially or completely retain fluoride. Passing water through alumina, bone meal or bone char can also remove fluoride from the water. Some fluorides (such as calcium fluoride) are insoluble in water, so a precipitation method can be used to precipitate all the fluoride. Lime is often used for this.

Sodium Fluoride. What are the health hazards?

• Interesting
• Seal

On store shelves we usually see fluoridated toothpastes or mouth rinses. However, many people have recently been trying to avoid such hygiene products. Consumers are questioning the health benefits of sodium fluoride due to some information being revealed about the additive. This is despite the assurances of a number of dentists about the importance of fluoride for tooth enamel. Why is this happening? Have you ever wondered why fluoridated toothpastes have warnings on the label such as: “Children under 6 years of age are advised to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste under adult supervision,” “Do not swallow,” “If fluoride is ingested, seek medical attention.” help”, etc. The reason toothpastes carry warning labels is to protect their manufacturers from lawsuits related to fluoride poisoning. Fluoride-free toothpastes usually do not have such warning labels because they do not have ingredients that can cause serious harm to the body. Today, dental pastes, tap water, and even milk are fluoridated. Fluoride can be contained in phosphorus fertilizers, therefore, black and green tea (which are grown using phosphorus fertilizers) may contain fluoride. And one more fact that is important to pay attention to. In a number of countries there is a ban on fluoridation of drinking water: Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland. And this is not at all accidental. When these countries learned about the “benefits” of fluorine, they immediately took the necessary decision at the legislative level - they banned its use. Since you now have a greater understanding of the reason for the warnings on fluoridated toothpaste labels, let's understand the differences between natural and synthetic fluoride so you know which fluoride to avoid.

Application in pharmacology

Sodium fluoride is an active ingredient in some medications. As a rule, such tablets are taken as prescribed by a doctor; sometimes therapy requires special monitoring and is accompanied by regular studies of the dynamics of the course. Trade names of fluoride preparations: “Sodium fluoride”, “Natium fluoratum” and “Ossin”. They are prescribed for a lack of fluoride in the body, in particular for osteoporosis.

The drug in the form of dragees and tablets is taken orally. Almost all fluoride is absorbed by the body, regardless of food intake. Typically, this therapy is combined with calcium and magnesium intake at 1-1.5 g per day. This helps bones mineralize more consistently.

But it is dangerous to take the drug in excess of the norm. In this case, excess fluoride may occur, leading to fluorosis. When taking medications containing sodium fluoride, it is necessary to see a dentist to prevent the development of fluorosis.

Differences between natural and synthetic fluoride

The natural form of fluoride is not the same as the synthetic industrial version (sodium fluoride). Fluoride that occurs naturally is known as calcium fluoride. This natural mineral occurs in nature in the form of fluorite mainly in the earth's crust and groundwater at low levels.

The synthetic version of fluoride is called sodium fluoride, which is a byproduct of the phosphate industry. When referring to this synthetic industrial option, the term "fluoride" is used to refer to the many different chemicals that make up fluoride, including but not limited to: lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, hydrofluorosilicic acid, and even radioactive materials. During Nazi Germany, sodium fluoride was given to prisoners in concentration camps because Nazi doctors discovered that its components had a lobotomizing effect on prisoners, making them docile and easier to control. Have you ever heard that many experts link sodium fluoride to lower IQ and increased cancer? Could this toxin actually be one of the root causes of these problems?