Fluorine

Abstract

Fluorine, the first member of the halogen family, is the most reactive nonmetal, and capable of reacting with all of the other elements, except the gases helium, neon, and argon, oxidizing most elements to their highest oxidation. Although fluorine is highly corrosive, commercial uses have been developed. The largest industrial usage for fluorine is in the production of uranium hexafluoride, which is used in the uranium enrichment process, and in the production of sulfur hexafluoride, a gaseous dielectric. Fluorine is also used to make perfluorinated materials and for surface treatment of polyolefin‐based containers. Fluorine is produced by electrolysis of molten potassium bifluoride in specially designed cells having steel or Monel cathodes and carbon anodes. The selection of the anode carbon is critical. This manufacturing process and the special equipment needed for handling fluorine are described. Most fluorine produced is used captively for synthesis.