Ammonium Fluoride – An Ingredient in Cleaning Products and Expectorants

October 14, 2025Updated October 28, 2026

Ammonium fluoride (NH₄F) is available in solid or liquid solution form. This compound appears as white, hygroscopic crystals.

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Ammonium Fluoride (TCI A3484)

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In solution form, ammonium fluoride is a clear liquid with a sharp, pungent odor. Industrial-strength solutions typically have concentrations of 36–40%.

What Is Ammonium Fluoride?

Ammonium fluoride is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NH₄F. It is highly soluble in water and is non-flammable.

It can crystallize into colorless crystals and has a salty taste, similar to other fluoride salts. However, it is toxic and can cause adverse effects following acute or chronic excessive exposure.

Structure of Ammonium Fluoride

Ammonium fluoride adopts a wurtzite-type crystal structure, in which ammonium cations and fluoride anions are arranged in layers, with each ion surrounded tetrahedrally by four ions of the opposite charge. Hydrogen bonds are present between the anions and cations.

This structure is similar to that of ice. Ammonium fluoride is also reported to exhibit distinctive crystallization behavior in the presence of water.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Ammonium Fluoride

Physical state: Solid crystals
Odor: Odorless
Taste: Not specified
Molecular weight: 37.04 g/mol
Color: White
pH (1% solution in water): Not available
Boiling point: Not available
Melting point: 100°C (212°F)
Critical temperature: Not available
Specific gravity: 1.015
Vapor pressure: Not applicable
Vapor density: 1.3
Volatility: Not available
Odor threshold: Not available
Water/oil distribution coefficient: Not available
Ionicity in water: Not available
Dispersibility: Refer to water solubility
Solubility: Readily soluble in cold and hot water

Benefits of Ammonium Fluoride

Ammonium fluoride can be used as a desiliconization agent in processes designed to achieve complete regeneration. Ammonium fluoride and ammonium bifluoride can offer advantages as desiliconization agents in the processing of mineral raw materials.

Fluoride compounds may also influence the ionization of ceramides. Ceramide ionization involves the gain or loss of electrons, resulting in positively or negatively charged ions.

Ceramides can be detected using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in both positive and negative ion modes.

Applications of Ammonium Fluoride

Ammonium fluoride has been associated with various industrial and chemical applications. Other reported uses include:

Fertilizers as a source of nitrogen.
Expectorants in cough medicines.
Adhesives used to bind plywood.
Aqueous solutions in Leclanché cells.
Additives in breadmaking as yeast nutrients.
Acidifying agents.
Cooling baths for achieving low temperatures.
Buffer solutions in combination with ammonia.
Supplementary feed for livestock.

Exposure to ammonium fluoride may cause adverse effects depending on the concentration and route of exposure, including skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Eye exposure or ingestion may produce symptoms similar to those observed following industrial-scale exposure to ammonium fluoride.

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