Fluoride source for halogen exchange
Potassium Fluoride (KF) Supplier & Distributor in India & Worldwide
Chelora Agrochem is a trusted Potassium Fluoride (KF) supplier and distributor in India, connecting buyers with anhydrous spray-dried and dihydrate grades sourced from leading, quality-approved manufacturers. Our potassium fluoride comes with controlled moisture and bifluoride content, full documentation and reliable bulk supply across India and to buyers worldwide.
As a specialised distributor of chemical products, we do not manufacture in-house — instead we source only from reliable, audited manufacturers, giving you dependable material, competitive pricing and a single point of contact for all your KF requirements, backed by COA, MSDS and TDS on every order.
- CAS number
- 7789-23-3
- Formula
- KF
- Molecular weight
- 58.10 g/mol
- Purity
- 98% min
Quick product specifications
Potassium Fluoride at a glance
Identifiers, physical data and trade codes for KF. Batch-specific figures are confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis supplied with each consignment, in India and on export shipments alike.
- Chemical name
- Potassium Fluoride
- CAS number
- 7789-23-3
- Molecular formula
- KF
- Molecular weight
- 58.10 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- Potassium fluoride
- EC number
- 232-151-5
- HS code
- 2826 19National subheading as per destination
- UN number
- UN 1812Potassium fluoride, solid · Class 6.1, PG III
- Appearance
- White crystalline powder or granulesDeliquescent — absorbs moisture rapidly from the air
- Melting point
- About 858 °C
- Boiling point
- About 1502 °C
- Density
- About 2.48 g/cm³Anhydrous solid, 20 °C
- Flash point
- Not applicableNon-combustible inorganic salt
- Solubility
- Very soluble in waterAbout 102 g per 100 mL at 25 °C; insoluble in alcohol
- Purity
- 98% min
- Synonyms
- KFPotassium fluoride · Anhydrous and dihydrate grades
- Product form
- Powder, granules or spray-dried
- Documentation
- COA, MSDS & TDSSupplied with every order
Product overview
What is Potassium Fluoride?
Potassium Fluoride (KF) is the workhorse source of fluoride ion in industrial organic chemistry. In halogen exchange — the halex reaction — it swaps a ring chlorine for a fluorine on an activated aromatic, which is how most commercial fluoroaromatics are actually made.
With the formula KF (CAS 7789-23-3), it is a white crystalline solid melting at about 858 °C, very soluble in water at roughly 102 g per 100 mL, and insoluble in alcohol. It is markedly deliquescent, drawing moisture from the air quickly enough that an open bag will cake — which matters, because halex chemistry needs the salt bone dry.
That is why it is sold in two distinct families: the dihydrate for aqueous and general chemical use, and anhydrous spray-dried grades with high surface area and very low moisture for fluorination. Choosing the wrong one is the most common cause of a failed halex batch.
How it is made
Potassium fluoride is made by neutralising hydrofluoric acid with potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide. The solution is concentrated and crystallised, normally through the bifluoride or the dihydrate, and the crystals are then dehydrated — and for fluorination grades spray-dried — to give a free-flowing anhydrous powder, which is packed immediately against moisture.
What that means for your process
- Anhydrous spray-dried grade with high surface area for halex reactivity
- Controlled moisture — the single biggest variable in fluorination yield
- Low potassium bifluoride, chloride and sulphate
- Moisture-proof packing in bags, drums or lined jumbo bags
Applications
What is Potassium Fluoride used for?
KF is used both as a fluorinating reagent and as an inorganic process chemical. Its main applications, industry by industry, include:
Halex fluorination
The dominant fine chemical use: activated aryl chlorides become aryl fluorides.
- 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile to 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile
- Dinitrochlorobenzene to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene
- Fluoroaromatic pharma and agro intermediates
Reagent & catalyst
A mild, selective fluoride and base for synthetic chemistry.
- Supported on alumina as a mild solid base
- Fluoride source in Finkelstein-type exchange
- Desilylation and selective deprotection
Industrial & metallurgical
Long-established uses outside organic synthesis.
- Flux for soldering, brazing and welding
- Glass and silicon etching through fluorosilicate formation
- Metal surface treatment and electroplating baths
Process route
How is KF used in halex fluorination?
Halogen exchange works because an electron-withdrawing group — a nitro, a nitrile, a carbonyl — activates the ring carbon carrying the chlorine. Anhydrous potassium fluoride, suspended in a high-boiling polar aprotic solvent, delivers a naked and therefore highly nucleophilic fluoride ion that displaces the chloride, and the potassium chloride by-product drops out of solution.
Potassium Fluoride
Charged dry as the anhydrous, spray-dried grade. Moisture content decides the whole batch.
KFSuspension
Dispersed in a high-boiling polar aprotic solvent such as sulfolane, DMF or DMSO.
Aprotic solventHalogen exchange
Fluoride displaces the activated ring chlorine at elevated temperature; KCl precipitates.
HalexFluoroaromatic product
Filtered, solvent-stripped and distilled to give the fluorinated intermediate.
2,6-DFBNIn depth
Potassium Fluoride applications by industry
Below is a detailed breakdown of where KF is used and the role it plays in each downstream product.
| Industry | Typical downstream products | Role of KF |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals & agrochemicals | Fluoroaromatic intermediates via halex | Fluorinating reagent |
| Fine chemicals | Fluoride source, mild solid base, desilylation | Reagent |
| Metals & fabrication | Soldering, brazing and welding fluxes | Flux component |
| Glass & electronics | Etching of glass and silicon surfaces | Etchant |
| Surface treatment | Electroplating and metal pretreatment baths | Bath chemical |
Safety
Is Potassium Fluoride hazardous?
Yes. Potassium fluoride is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled. The specific danger is the fluoride ion: it is absorbed systemically and interferes with calcium metabolism, and on contact with acids the salt liberates hydrofluoric acid, which causes deep, delayed and extremely painful burns.
KF should be stored in sealed, moisture-proof containers in a cool, dry, ventilated place, well away from acids of any kind, and handled with chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing, with dust extraction at the charging point. Plants handling fluorides should keep calcium gluconate gel available and train operators to recognise hydrofluoric acid exposure, which can appear trivial at first and worsen over hours. Never mix or store it with acids. A full MSDS is supplied with every order.
Signal word: Danger
Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled · liberates hydrofluoric acid on contact with acids · fluoride is absorbed systemically
Safe-handling essentials
- Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and protective clothing at all times
- Dust extraction or local exhaust ventilation at the charging point
- Never store or mix with acids — hydrofluoric acid is liberated
- Keep calcium gluconate gel available and train operators in its use
- Treat any suspected HF exposure as urgent, however minor it looks at first
- Keep containers sealed — the salt is deliquescent and cakes in moist air
- No eating, drinking or smoking in handling areas
- Prevent release to drains, soil and waterways
- Transport as UN 1812, class 6.1, packing group III
Grades
Potassium Fluoride grades & technical specifications
We supply anhydrous spray-dried KF for fluorination work and dihydrate grade for aqueous and general chemical use. Figures below are for the anhydrous grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (as KF, dry basis) | 98% min |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder or free-flowing granules |
| Moisture (spray-dried grade) | 0.5% max |
| Potassium bifluoride (KHF2) | 0.5% max |
| Chloride (as Cl) | 0.1% max |
| Sulphate (as SO4) | 0.1% max |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | 20 ppm max |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.1% max |
Note: Values are representative. Batch-specific figures are provided on the Certificate of Analysis (COA) supplied with each consignment.
Supply
Packaging, MOQ & supply
From trial quantities for process validation to repeat container loads on contract — packed, documented and dispatched to your plant in India or overseas.
Packaging
25 kg and 50 kg moisture-proof HDPE-lined bags, HDPE drums, and 500 kg or 1000 kg jumbo bags with inner liners — all sealed against atmospheric moisture.
Minimum order quantity
Flexible — single bags for trials through to full-container loads.
Shelf life
Long shelf life in sealed, unopened moisture-proof packs; once opened, reseal promptly because the salt is deliquescent.
Dispatch
Pan-India dispatch and worldwide export with complete dangerous-goods documentation and logistics support.
Why buy from us
Why choose Chelora as your KF supplier?
As an established Potassium Fluoride supplier and distributor based in India and shipping worldwide, we work with a wide network of trusted manufacturers to combine consistent quality with dependable service. More about Chelora Agrochem.
High purity, every batch
98% min assay, sourced only from quality-approved manufacturers we have worked with and audited.
Full documentation
COA, MSDS and TDS travel with every order, so your QA and EHS teams are never chasing paperwork.
Reliable bulk supply, flexible MOQ
Single packs for process trials through to repeat container loads on schedule.
Worldwide supply
Export-grade packing, dangerous-goods documentation and on-time dispatch to plants across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Technical & safe-handling support
Guidance on grade selection, drying, fluoride exposure control and process fit from a team that knows halex chemistry.
One point of contact
Source KF alongside your other intermediates — one enquiry, one team, one invoice.
Ordering
How to order Potassium Fluoride from Chelora
Ordering is simple and fast — most enquiries are answered with pricing and availability within 24 hours.
- 1
Send your enquiry
Tell us the grade, quantity and application you are buying for.
- 2
Receive a quotation
We send pricing along with the COA and MSDS for your review.
- 3
Request a sample
Test suitability for your process before you commit to a bulk order.
- 4
Confirm the order
Lock in quantity, packaging and delivery preference.
- 5
Dispatch & tracking
We dispatch with full documentation and keep you updated until delivery.
Documentation
Potassium Fluoride MSDS & COA
A summary of key safety information and a representative Certificate of Analysis. The complete 16-section Safety Data Sheet and the actual batch COA are supplied with each shipment — and both are sent with your quotation when you ask for a quote.
Safety data summary (MSDS)
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Hazard classification | Acute toxicity cat. 3 (oral); acute toxicity cat. 3 (dermal); acute toxicity cat. 3 (inhalation). Liberates hydrofluoric acid on contact with acids |
| Signal word | Danger |
| First aid — inhalation | Move to fresh air; keep at rest; get immediate medical attention |
| First aid — skin | Remove contaminated clothing; flush with plenty of water; apply calcium gluconate gel and get immediate medical attention |
| First aid — eyes | Rinse immediately with running water for at least 15 minutes; get immediate medical attention |
| Handling | Use PPE; control dust; never bring into contact with acids; no eating or drinking in the area |
| Storage | Cool, dry, sealed and moisture-proof; strictly segregated from all acids |
| Environment | Fluoride is harmful to aquatic life; prevent release to drains / waterways |
| Transport | UN 1812; class 6.1; packing group III |
Certificate of Analysis (representative)
| Test parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Assay (as KF, dry basis) | 98% min | Titrimetric |
| Appearance | White powder or granules | Visual |
| Moisture | 0.5% max | Loss on drying |
| Potassium bifluoride | 0.5% max | Titrimetric |
| Chloride (as Cl) | 0.1% max | Turbidimetric |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.1% max | Gravimetric |
The actual batch COA is supplied with each shipment.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from buyers specifying potassium fluoride for fluorination, flux, etching and general chemical use.
What is Potassium Fluoride used for?
KF is used mainly as the fluoride source in halogen exchange reactions, which convert activated aryl chlorides into aryl fluorides for pharmaceutical and agrochemical intermediates. It is also used as a mild base and fluoride reagent in synthesis, as a flux for soldering, brazing and welding, for etching glass and silicon, and in metal surface treatment and electroplating baths.
What is the CAS number of potassium fluoride?
The CAS number is 7789-23-3 for the anhydrous salt, and the formula is KF with a molecular weight of 58.10 g/mol. Its EC number is 232-151-5. The dihydrate is listed under a separate CAS number.
How is Potassium Fluoride made?
It is made by neutralising hydrofluoric acid with potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide. The solution is concentrated and crystallised, then dehydrated — and for fluorination grades spray-dried — to give a free-flowing anhydrous powder that is packed immediately against atmospheric moisture.
What is the difference between anhydrous and dihydrate potassium fluoride?
The dihydrate carries water of crystallisation and is used where water is not a problem, such as aqueous baths and general chemical work. Anhydrous spray-dried grade has very low moisture and a high surface area, and is the one used for halex fluorination, where even small amounts of water hydrate the fluoride ion, kill its nucleophilicity and ruin the batch.
Is Potassium Fluoride hazardous?
Yes. It is toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled, and the fluoride ion is absorbed systemically. On contact with acids it liberates hydrofluoric acid, which causes deep and painful burns whose severity can be delayed. Keep it strictly segregated from acids, use PPE and dust control, and keep calcium gluconate gel available; we supply a full MSDS with every order.
How should Potassium Fluoride be stored?
In sealed, moisture-proof bags or drums in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, strictly segregated from acids of every kind. Because the salt is deliquescent, containers should be resealed promptly after use — a part-used bag left open will absorb moisture and cake, and for fluorination grades that moisture pickup directly costs you yield.
Do you provide COA and MSDS for potassium fluoride?
Yes, we provide a batch-specific COA and MSDS with every order, including the moisture and bifluoride results that matter most for fluorination work.
Do you supply and export Potassium Fluoride?
Yes, we supply KF across India and export internationally with complete dangerous-goods documentation, sourced from reliable manufacturers.
Request a quote or sample
Need a reliable KF supplier?
Looking for a dependable Potassium Fluoride (KF) supplier and distributor — in India or anywhere we export to? Tell us the grade and quantity you need — our team responds with competitive bulk pricing, samples and complete documentation (COA, MSDS, TDS) within 24 hours.
Or email source@cheloraagrochem.com