The most electronegative element, Fluorine was first identified by Scheele in 1771.  However, it was Henry Moissan who isolated it in the form of a gaseous element in substantial quantities, on June 26th 1886.At that time, nobody would have imagined that this smallest halogen element shall become so big and play such an extraordinary technological role for the betterment of the lives of millions. Fluorine is a unique element which mimics hydrogen as a result millions of molecules have been developed over a period of 128 years by our fellow researchers and innovators.  No advance technological product remains without fluorine, whether it is an i-pod or cancer drug.  Our modern life is greatly indebted to this element. Our morning starts with elemental fluorine (Fluoride toothpaste) and we go to bed having the air conditioner on (refrigerants).  Not to mention if we are taking a painkiller (Celebrex). Interesting stories and the glimpses of the gradual penetration of this element in our daily lives will be narrated in the honor of our dearest friend and the most well-known fellow chemist, Prof. Gary Schrobilgen.

Fascinating progress of fluorine from its isolation to becoming an integral part in everyday life

248th National Meeting (2014)

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