Fluorine is a very reactive element, and as such is often not seen in its elemental form. It is the 13th most common element in the Earth’s crust. Most fluorine is used is in the form of a fluorine compound, which is made of fluorine and other atoms. Chances are that most of the products and uses that come to mind when you think of fluorine are in a compound form as opposed to elemental fluorine.
Fluorinated Compounds and Pharmaceuticals-what’s the Connection?
During the last several years, a great deal of pharmaceutical research has focused on the use of fluorinated compounds In fact, by around 1990, approximately 220 fluorinated pharmaceuticals were in use, comprising nearly 8% of the synthetic drug market. Since that time the use of fluorinated pharmaceuticals has increased rapidly.