Fluorine is a chemical element with symbol F and atomic number 9. It is the lightest halogen and exists as a highly toxic pale yellow diatomic gas at standard conditions. As the most electronegative element, it is extremely reactive:almost all other elements, including some noble gases, form compounds with fluorine.
Three reasons Fluorine stands out
- 1
Used in toothpaste.
- 2
It is the most chemically reactive element known, capable of corroding through glass.
- 3
The non-stick coating on frying pans is a compound made with this element.
Chemistry at its most aggressive
Fluorine pulls on shared electrons more strongly than any other element. The pure gas attacks substances that seem inert, including glass, yet tightly bound fluorides can be stable enough for toothpaste and non-stick coatings. Its usefulness comes from controlling an element that is extraordinarily difficult to isolate.