Description
As a type of fluorosilicate, potassium fluorosilicate can be used as fluoridizing agents for water supplies, in the production of synthetic cryolite, and in metal plating. Potassium fluorosilicate can be used as oral care ingredient, as a fluxing ingredient in porcelain enamels, and as wood preservative elements. Potassium fluorosilicate can also be used for the manufacture of ceramic materials and optical glasses.
References
[1] W. John Williams, Handbook of Anion Determination, 1979
[2] Ruth Winter, A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition, 2009
[3] B. A. Richardson, Wood Preservation, 2nd Edition, 1993
[4] Werner Vogel, Glass Chemistry, 2nd Edition, 1994
Chemical Properties
White, odorless, crystalline powder. D
3.0. Slightly soluble in water; soluble in hydrochlo-
ric acid.
Uses
In the manufacture of opalescent glass, in porcelain enamels, in insecticides. Also used in aluminum metallurgy.
Uses
Potassium hexafluorosilicate is used in the production of porceleins. It is also used for the preservation of timber. It is involved in the manufacturing of ceramics, aluminum and magnesium smelting. In addition, it is used as an intermediate in the manufacturing of optical glass.
General Description
A white, odorless crystalline powder. Denser than water. Contact may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
Air & Water Reactions
Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Potassium fluorosilicate has weak oxidizing or reducing powers. Redox reactions can however still occur. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion and inhalation, strong
irritant to tissue.
Health Hazard
Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. Avoid any skin contact. Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways.
Industrial uses
Potassium fluorosilicate is a white to yellowish powder, poorly soluble in water (0.68%
at 20 °C). Because of its poor solubility, it is not commonly used as a modifying reagent.
Safety Profile
A poison by ingestion
and subcutaneous routes. Ingestion can
cause vomiting and dtarrhea. A strong
irritant. Incompatible with hydrofluoric acid.
When heated to decomposition it emits
toxic fumes of SiF4, K3SiF7, and KF.
Purification Methods
Crystallise it several times from conductivity water (100mL/g) between 100o and 0o.
