INTRODUCTION
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), is widely used in organic synthesis as a solvent, catalyst and reagent thanks to its reactivity and stability under adverse conditions.
It is considered one of the most economical fluorinated building blocks. It is widely used in peptide synthesis and other organic transformations involving deprotection of t-BOC group.
Manufacture
Trifluoroacetic acid is commonly produced in Simon electro-fluorination process involving hydrogen fluoride and acetic acid.
| Synonyms | Trifluoroethanoic acid Perfluoroacetic acid |
| CAS no. | 76-05-1 |
| EINECS no. | 200-929-3 |
| Molecular formula | C2HF3O2 |
| Molecular weight | 114.02 |
| Structure |  |
General Usage
The acid owes its multiple usages to its low boiling point, high dielectric constant, and relatively stronger acidity. It is generally employed in chemical industry as:
| Solvent in polymerization and oxidation |
| Solvent for chromatography |
| Catalyst in esterification, transesterification, and olefin reduction in petroleum refining |
| Low Boiling Reagent in various reactions |
Niche’ Applications
The chemical processes, that lead to value added products, are centered around the carboxylic group of trifluoroacetic acid and the stability rendered by the trifluoromethyl group. The special applications include:
| Trifluoromethylation – introduction of CF3 group in organic molecules thereby creating CF3 building blocks |
| Hydroacylation of complex organic molecules |
| Acylation of aromatics to form corresponding ketones and a plethora of acyl-containing intermediates |
| Olefin Hydration to produce alcohols – it replaces sulphuric acid, to which olefins are sensitive |
| Deprotection of amino group in some peptide synthesis for its higher solvency and volatility |
| Rearrangement – the acid is a key reagent in converting cyclohexanone oxime to ε-caprolactam |
| Protein Synthesis – where the acid protects the active amine |
Proxime Intermediates
The fluorinated acetic acid, by conventional synthetic processes, is easily converted to next step intermediates, that are vital for pharma and agro industries.
In these processes as well, the active carboxylic group and the stable trifluoromethyl moiety are the factors responsible.
These include:
| Trifluoroacetic anhydride – that further produces Thiazafluron |
| Trifluoroacetic acid ethyl ester (also known as ethyl trifluoroacetate) |
| Trifluoroacetic acid methyl ester |
| Trifluoroacetic acid isopropyl ester |
| 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol – that is in turn consumed to make isoflurane and polythiazide |
High-End Intermediates
Trifluoroacetic acid finds applications as a key raw material to manufacture number of value-added, high-end intermediates such as:
| Peroxytrifluoroacetic acid |
| 2-(2,2,2-Trifluoroacetylamino)pyridine |
| N[1-{6-Chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl)-2(1H)-pyridinylidene]-2,2,2, trifluoroacetamide |
| Methyl 2-Fluoroacrylate |
SPECIFICATIONS
| Test | Unit | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | – | Clear & colorless liquid |
| Moisture | % w/w | 0.05 max |
| Fluoride | % w/w | 0.005 max |
| Chloride | % w/w | 0.001 max |
| Sulphate | % w/w | 0.001 max |
| Arsenic | ppm | NMT 8.0 |
| Titrimetric Purity | % w/w | 99.9 min |
| Identification by Ion Chromatography | The retention time of TFA matches to that of the standard TFA |
REACH status
TFA offered by ExSyn is registered under EU REACH regulations.
STORAGE
Product is stored at ambient temperature.
ExSyn offers this product on commercial scale and welcomes enquiries. No matter the quantity you need, our exceptional quality and service will make ExSyn your supplier of choice! If you need any additional information or SDS, please get in touch with us.
5-Methyl-3-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone (V-MOX) is a highly reactive monomer valued for its low viscosity, mild odor, and excellent reactivity. It is widely used as a reactive diluent in UV-curable inks and coatings, where it enhances adhesion, produces brighter colors, and improves safety compared to conventional diluents. In addition, V-MOX serves as a key building block in the synthesis of kinetic hydrate inhibitor (KHI) polymers, which are applied in oil and gas production to prevent hydrate blockages in pipelines.
Zinc ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, a hydroxylated fatty acid derived mainly from castor oil (Ricinus communis). It appears as a white to slightly yellowish powder, waxy solid, or paste, depending on formulation. Its most valuable property is its ability to trap and absorb odor molecules such as amines, sulfides, and short-chain fatty acids, making it an essential ingredient in deodorant and odor-control products.
2-(tert-Butyl amino)ethyl methacrylate (TBAEMA) is a functional methacrylate monomer that contains a secondary amine group and a hydrophobic tert-butyl moiety, giving it excellent versatility in pH-responsive and adhesion-enhancing polymer systems.
It is valued in printing ink formulations for its ability to enhance adhesion, flexibility, and surface interaction.
Commonly known as potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI), the compound has a three-carbon backbone bearing six fluorine atoms and two sulfonimide (-SO₂F) groups. The molecule’s architecture lends it both high chemical stability and useful reactivity. Because of its excellent ionic conductivity and thermal / electrochemical stability, it finds use in advanced electrolyte formulations—for example in lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, in ionic liquids, and in other electrochemical systems.
Colchicine is a naturally occurring alkaloid obtained primarily from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and related species. It has been used in medicine for centuries, especially for the treatment of gout and Familial Mediterranean Fever. In modern medicine, Colchicine is valued also in conditions like pericarditis, Behçet’s disease, and certain dermatological and cardiac disorders.
1-Butylimidazole is a versatile organic heterocyclic compound belonging to the imidazole family, where a butyl group (–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃) is attached to the nitrogen atom at the 1-position of the imidazole ring. Its applications span organic synthesis, materials science, and bioactive compound development due to its tunable physicochemical properties and structural versatility.
Atropine sulfate monohydrate is a chemical compound, specifically a salt of atropine and sulfuric acid, with one water molecule (monohydrate) attached. It is commonly used as a medication and in research due to its anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors.
4-Aminobenzoic acid, commonly abbreviated as PABA, is an aromatic amine and carboxylic acid compound. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with an amino group (–NH₂) in the para position to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH).
2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol (5-NAP) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆N₂O₃. It is a substituted phenol with both an amino group (-NH₂) and a nitro group (-NO₂) attached to a benzene ring, along with a hydroxyl group (-OH).