Fluorine is a pale yellow-green gas that is dangerously reactive. It is the 9th element in the periodic table with an atomic number of 9. Fluorine was first isolated in 1886 by electrolysis and ranks moderately high in terms of natural abundance. It has important roles in dental health when consumed in limited and optimal amounts but can be harmful in excess, with risks including damage to the kidneys, stomach, and fetal brain development.

2. Symbol F
Atomic number 9
Group, block 17, p
Period 2
Isotopes 18

3.  Andre-Marie Ampere (1812).
 Humphry Davy.
 British chemist George Gore (1869).
 French chemist Henri Moissan (1886) obtained it by the
electrolysis of potassium bifluoride (KHF2) dissolved in
liquid HF.

4.  A very pale yellow-green, dangerously reactive gas.
 Melting point : −219.67 °C
 Boiling point : −188.11 °C
 Ranks 24th in universal abundance.
 13th in terrestrial abundance.

5.  The food source with the most
fluorine in them are pickles.
• Grape juice.
• Spinach.
• Tomato products.
• Carrots.
• Orange juice.
• Seafood, tea, fluoridated drinking
water, soda, fish.

6.  Reaction of fluorine with air:
2F2(g) + 2H2O(g) → O2(g) + 4HF(g)
 Reaction of fluorine with water:
2F2(g) + 2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4HF(aq)
3F2(g) + 3H2O(l) → O3(g) + 6HF(aq)
 Reaction of fluorine with acids:
2F2(g) + 2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4HF(aq)
3F2(g) + 3H2O(l) → O3(g) + 6HF(aq)
 Reaction of fluorine with bases:
2F2(g) + 2OH-(aq) → OF2(g) + 2F-(aq) + H2O(l)

7.  Mineralization of bones.
 Formation of dental enamel.
 The Fluorine and Calcium has strong affinity
between them and work together, mainly in the outer
parts of bones.
 Prevents dental caries.
 Help in development of tooth.
 Protects the spleen.

8.  Used in second world war.
 Welding and for frosting glass.
 Toothpaste and drinking water.
 Fluorine is also used to make
Teflon.
 Fluorine is used to enhance
rocket fuel.
 Fluorine is used in refrigeration,
air conditioning & insecticide.
 Permissible Limit: According to
WHO, 1.5 ppm is the permissible
limit of fluorine in water.

9.  Deficiency may cause tooth decay
 Susceptibility to infection
 Curvature of the spine.
 Weak eyesight.

10.  The increased intake of fluorine during pregnancy can harm
the fetal brain.
 Can cause swelling in between the kidney tubules, dilation of
renal tubules and death of proximal and renal tubules.
 High concentrations of hydrogen fluoride may damage your
stomach.
 Can cause dental fluorosis which is characterized by failure of
tooth enamel to crystallize properly leading to defects

11.  Fluorine is essential for the normal mineralization of
bones and the formation of dental enamel but it should
be taken in limited amount otherwise it is very harmful
for human beings in excess amount.