Flurone

Fluorine: The Reactive and Versatile Element

Fluorine is a pale yellow gas with a pungent, biting odor. It is highly reactive and can be shipped as a cryogenic liquid. This element is toxic by inhalation and skin absorption, causing chemical burns even at lower concentrations. When it comes into contact with water, fluorine forms hydrofluoric acid and oxygen, making it corrosive to most common materials. It also reacts with combustible materials, often leading to ignition. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat, containers of fluorine can violently rupture and rocket.

Despite its hazardous nature, fluorine plays a crucial role in various industries. It is used in the production of multi-ton quantities of fluorine from its ore, fluorspar. Interestingly, fluorine atoms are found in about 20% of all pharmaceuticals, such as the top-selling anti-depressant Prozac and the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor. This is because fluorine’s extreme reactivity allows it to form strong bonds with other atoms, particularly carbon, creating stable and inert organofluorine compounds.

Fluorine’s unique properties also make it essential in medical applications. It is used in fluorinated anaesthetics like isoflurane and desflurane, which replaced flammable and explosive alternatives. Additionally, fluorocarbons are being developed as artificial blood due to their high oxygen solubility. Radioactive fluorine (18F) is a key ingredient in positron emission tomography (PET), helping to discover cancerous tumors before they spread.

In industry, fluorine is a mainstay. One of the most famous applications is in the polymer polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon. This highly thermostable and waterproof material is used as a coating for pots and pans, in baking sprays, and to repel stains on furniture and carpets. When heated and stretched, Teflon transforms into Gore-tex, a porous membrane used in sportswear to keep water out while allowing sweat to escape. Fluorine also plays a significant role in keeping you cool, as it is used in energy-efficient fluorocarbon fluids for air-conditioning and household refrigeration units.

Overall, while fluorine is dangerous and requires careful handling, its versatility and unique properties make it an essential element in both medical and industrial applications.