Overview

Aluminum fluoride (uh-LOO-min-um FLOR-ide) is a highly stable compound that occurs as a white crystalline solid. It resists the action of even strong solvents, such as hot concentrated sulfuric acid. The compound often occurs as a hydrate containing one or more molecules of water of hydration. The most common of these hydrates has the chemical formula AlF₃·3.5H₂O, meaning that for every two molecules of aluminum fluoride in a crystal, there are seven molecules of water. The major uses of aluminum fluoride are in a variety of applications in the chemical industry.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Aluminum trifluoride

Formula:

AlF₃

Elements:

Aluminum, fluorine

Compound Type:

Inorganic salt

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

83.98 g/mol

Melting Point:

1291°C (2356°F; begins to sublime above 1250°C [2280°F])

Boiling Point:

Not applicable

Solubility:

Slightly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water; insoluble in alcohol, acetone, and most organic...