General Description
An odorless white solid or powder. Mp: 1291°C. Density: 2.95 g cm-3. Dust irritates the eyes and skin; inhaled dust irriates the nose, mouth and lungs. Insoluble in water. Synthesized by fusion of sodium fluoride and aluminum fluoride as a electrolyte in the reduction of alumina to aluminum metal. Occurs in nature as the mineral cryolite. Aqueous suspensions of powdered sodium aluminum fluoride are used as insecticides.
Reactivity Profile
SODIUM ALUMINUM FLUORIDE is non-combustible. Emits toxic fumes when heated to decomposition. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strong acids. Decomposed by bases, which can generate soluble fluorides. Soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid.
Potential Exposure
Sodium aluminum fluoride is used in making pesticides, ceramics, glass, and polishes; in refining reduction of aluminum, flux, glass, and enamel.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Speed in removing material from skin is of extreme importance. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. If victim is conscious, administer water, or milk. Do not induce vomiting. Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Shipping
UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with strong acids such as sulfuric, strong oxidizers, hydrogen fluoride.
Description
Cryolite is an uncommon mineral salt of sodium, fluoride and aluminum that was first discovered on the west coast of Greenland. The supply was depleted by 1987, and synthetic cryolite is now produced from the common mineral fluorite. Cryolite is used at very high application rates of 5-30 kg/ha to control Lepidoptera and Coleoptera on certain fruits, vegetables and citrus. 92% of total cryolite applied in the U.S. is used on grapes in California.
Chemical Properties
Sodium aluminum fluoride is a snow-white crystalline solid, powder or vitreous mass. The crystalline solid (natural product (cryolite) may be colored reddish or brown or even black but loses this discoloration on heating); synthetic product is an amorphous powder. Odorless
Waste Disposal
In accordance with 40CFR 165 recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office.
Agricultural Uses
Insecticide: Sodium aluminum fluoride is used as an insecticide on food crops and ornamentals, and also in aluminum refining and making ceramics, glass and polishes. Cryolite is used to control a variety of pests on cucurbits (melons, cantaloupe, water melon, pumpkins, all types of squash), fruiting vegetables (eggplant, pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, head and leaf lettuce, kohlrabi), kiwi (in California only), pears, radish, cranberry and peaches, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo, tangerines, tomatoes, apples, potatoes, beans and grapes. Also on ornamental plants, woody shrubs and vines. Not listed for use in EU countries. Registered for use in the U.S
Trade name
KRYOCIDE®; CHIOLITE®; CRYOLITE 93®; ICE-SPAR®; ICETONE®; KOYOSIDE®; KRIOLIT®; PROKIL® Sodium aluminum fluoride; VILLIAUMITE®