Overview

Sodium fluoride (SO-dee-um FLOR-ide) is a colorless to white crystalline solid or powder. It is best known for its role in efforts to prevent tooth decay. It may be added to toothpastes or mouthwashes or to municipal water supplies for this purpose. Although the practice of fluoridating water is now widespread in the United States, it remains the subject of controversy regarding its potential health effects on humans.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Sodium monofluoride

Formula:

NaF

Elements:

Sodium, fluorine

Compound Type:

Binary salt (inorganic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

41.99 g/mol

Melting Point:

996°C (1824°F)

Boiling Point:

1704°C (3099°F)

Solubility:

Moderately soluble in water; insoluble in ethyl alcohol

How It Is Made

Sodium fluoride occurs naturally as the mineral villiaumite, although the compound is not produced commercially from that source. Some sodium fluoride is obtained as a byproduct of the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers. In that...