Fluorine Compounds, Inorganic, Zinc

Abstract

Zinc fluoride, its hydrate, and various fluorozincates exist. Anhydrous zinc fluoride is a white solid with mp 872–910C. It is prepared from zinc fluoride tetrahydrate in a stream of hydrogen fluoride. Zinc fluoride is used as a mild fluorinating agent in the replacement of chlorine in halogenated hydrocarbons, in fluorophosphate and fluoride glass, and in the manufacture of fluoride glass optical fibers and optical transmitting glass. Alkali/metal fluorozincates are used as catalysts for dental impressions.