Overview

Stannous fluoride (STAN-us FLOR-ide) is a lustrous, white crystalline solid with a salty and bitter taste. The only application of any consequence for stannous fluoride is as an additive in toothpastes. Its function is to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the rate of tooth decay.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Tin(II) fluoride; tin difluoride

Formula:

SnF₂

Elements:

Tin, fluorine

Compound Type:

Binary salt (inorganic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

156.71 g/mol

Melting Point:

213°C (415°F)

Boiling Point:

850°C (1560°F)

Solubility:

Soluble in water; insoluble in ethyl alcohol, ether, and chloroform

The first hints that fluorides might be helpful in preventing tooth decay were reported as early as 1901. Fluorides are binary compounds of the element fluorine, compounds containing one element other than fluorine. Sodium fluoride (NaF), potassium fluoride (KF), and stannous fluoride are typical fluorides. But solid scientific evidence for the role of fluorides in preventing tooth...