The History of Fluorine — From discovery to commodity

Abstract

Fluorine was the last of the halogens to be isolated. The extreme difficulties and dangers of handling it retarded substantial commercial applications until World War II when it became essential for the development of nuclear devices. Development of industrial processes for the manufacture of hydrogen fluoride and chlorofluorinated hydrocarbons turned Duorine and its derivatives into a major chemical commodity. The end use pattern of fluorine has reflected the changes in social appreciation of environmental protection and safety.