Magnesium fluoride

Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂)

1. Basic Properties

- Appearance: White crystal or powder, odorless  

- Solubility:  

- Slightly soluble in water 

- Insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol  

- Soluble in strong acids  

- Crystal structure: Tetragonal system (rutile-type structure)  

3. Main Applications

(1) Optical Coatings

- Anti-reflective coatings: Used for lenses, lasers, infrared optical components (e.g., MgF₂ coating reduces reflection in UV-near infrared light).  

- Low refractive index material, commonly used in multilayer optical thin-film designs.  

(2) Ceramic and Glass Industry

- Acts as a flux to lower the melting temperature of glass.  

- Used in the preparation of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant ceramic materials.  

(3) Metallurgical Industry

- Serves as an additive in aluminum smelting to reduce the viscosity of molten aluminum.  

(4) Other Uses

- Laser crystals (e.g., rare-earth ion-doped MgF₂ for mid-infrared lasers).  

- Dental protection: Trace amounts of MgF₂ may be added in fluoride toothpaste (anti-cavity).  

4. Safety and Storage

- Toxicity: Low toxicity, but long-term inhalation of dust may cause fluorosis (affecting bones and teeth).  

- Protective measures:  

  - Wear dust masks and gloves during operation.  

  - Avoid contact with strong acids to prevent the release of HF gas.  

  - Storage: Keep sealed in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption.