

Fluorine salts are used in tap water and toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. The fluorine-containing polymer PTFE (Teflon) is used in electrical insulation, medical devices and cookware. Uses:įluorine compounds are still used in the processing of metals.

Although experiencing serious poisoning, Henri Moissan was the first to successfully isolate fluorine gas in 1886. Several scientists then attempted to isolate fluorine from hydrofluoric acid, but were either injured or killed by it, as it is a very toxic substance. Andre Marie Ampere proposed in 1810 that this acid consisted of hydrogen and another element similar to chlorine, and Sir Humphry Davy named this new element fluorine, combining fluo- from the name of the acid and the -ine suffix used in naming halogens. In the 18th century hydrofluoric acid (then called fluorspar acid), made from fluorite, was used in glass etching. It was named fluores after the Latin word fluor, meaning flow. What elements are in Group 17 – Halides?Ĭlick on the following elements to learn more about them:įluorite (CaF 2) was used in the 16th century in the processing of metals as an additive to lower their melting points and make them easier to process.
