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
Uses
Sodium aluminum hexafluoride is used as a solvent (or flux) for electrolysis aluminum oxides such as bauxite, whitener for enamels and an opacifier for glass and in the industrial production of aluminum.
Definition
A compound found in large
quantities in South Greenland. It is white
or colorless, but may be reddish or brown
because of impurities. Sodium hexafluoroaluminate is used as a flux in the manufacture of aluminum. It crystallizes in the
monoclinic system but in forms that closely
resemble cubes and isometric octahedrals.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Potential Exposure
Sodium aluminum fluoride is used in making pesticides, ceramics, glass, and polishes; in refining reduction of aluminum, flux, glass, and enamel.
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.
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.
