Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite)
CaCl2 + 2NaF → CaF2↓ + 2NaCl
Overview
Calcium chloride reacts with sodium fluoride to precipitate calcium fluoride (Ksp = 3.5 × 10⁻¹¹). CaF₂ occurs naturally as the mineral fluorite (fluorspar), which gives fluorescence its name because fluorite was the first substance observed to fluoresce under UV light.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ | 1 | (s) |
| Product | Sodium Chloride NaCl | 2 | (aq) |
Everyday Example
Fluorite crystals glow blue or green under UV light, which is why we call this phenomenon fluorescence, named after this mineral.
Industrial Importance
Fluorite is the primary source of fluorine chemicals. It is used as a flux in steelmaking, in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, and in optical components.
Properties
- Type
- Precipitation
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -18.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Hydroxide Precipitation
Barium Carbonate Precipitation
Barium Sulfate Precipitation
Cadmium Sulfide Precipitation (Yellow)
Calcium Carbonate Precipitation
Calcium Oxalate Precipitation (Kidney Stones)
Calcium Phosphate Precipitation (Bone Mineral)
Calcium Sulfate Precipitation (Gypsum)
Chromium(III) Hydroxide Precipitation
Cobalt(II) Hydroxide Precipitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite)?
The balanced equation is: CaCl₂ + 2NaF → CaF₂↓ + 2NaCl.
What type of reaction is Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite)?
Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite) is a precipitation reaction.
Is Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite) exothermic or endothermic?
Calcium Fluoride Precipitation (Fluorite) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -18.0 kJ/mol.