This reaction turns Teflon into toothpaste’s key ingredient

Transforming Teflon into Toothpaste Ingredient

A novel reaction involving grinding PTFE with sodium metal creates sodium fluoride, a key ingredient in toothpaste, in a solvent-free process aimed at reducing landfill waste.

PTFE, commonly known by its brand name Teflon, is a chemical innovation that has transitioned from a wonder material to a societal concern due to its unreactive nature and high heat resistance, making it useful in various applications such as nonstick cookware, industrial and medical coatings, and electronic insulation.

Grinding PTFE with chunks of sodium metal creates sodium fluoride in a solvent-free reaction that aims to avoid landfills.

Author's summary: Teflon is transformed into toothpaste ingredient through a solvent-free reaction.

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C&EN C&EN — 2025-10-27

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