Ammonium hexafluorophosphate is the inorganic compound with the formula NH₄PF₆. It is a white water-soluble, hygroscopic solid. The compound is a salt consisting of the ammonium cation and hexafluorophosphate anion. It is commonly used as a source of the hexafluorophosphate anion, a weakly coordinating anion. It is prepared by combining neat ammonium fluoride and phosphorus pentachloride.

Properties of Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate

Chemical formula : NH₄PF₆

Molar mass : 163.00264

Appearance : white solid

Density : 2.18 g/cm³

Solubility in water : 74.8 g/100 mL(20 °C)

Uses of Ammonium Hexafluorophosphate

1. As a fluorinating agent: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate is used as a surfactant in semiconductor manufacturing and electronics industries, and is very important for the manufacture of semiconductor materials.

2. As a flame retardant: The phosphorus element of ammonium hexafluorophosphate can provide flame retardant ability, so it is widely used in plastics, rubber and other materials to improve its flame retardant performance.

3. As a battery electrolyte: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate dissolves in organic solvents and forms ions, so it is used as an electrolyte in high-performance batteries such as lithium-ion batteries.

4. For anti-caries: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate is an important substance for preventing dental caries.

5. Catalytic ionic polymerization: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate can also be used to catalyze ionic polymerization.