Production
NaF is prepared by neutralizing hydrofluoric acid or hexafluorosilicic acid (H2SiF6), byproducts of the production of superphosphate fertilizer. Neutralizing agents include sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate. Alcohols are sometimes used to precipitate the NaF:
- HF + NaOH → NaF + H2O
From solutions containing HF, sodium fluoride precipitates as the bifluoride salt NaHF2. Heating the latter releases HF and gives NaF.
- HF + NaF ⇌ NaHF2
In a 1986 report, the annual worldwide consumption of NaF was estimated to be several million tonnes.
Read more about this topic: Sodium Fluoride
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