Trifluoroethanol

Trifluoroethanol (TFE) is widely used as a specialized solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, peptide synthesis, organic chemistry reactions, and advanced research applications.

Appearance:
Colorless transparent liquid
CAS No.:
75-89-8
Molecular Formula:
C2H3F3O
Molecular Weight:
100.04
EINECS:
200-913-6
Solubility:
Miscible

Availability:



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Product Description

Product Description

Trifluoroethanol, commonly abbreviated as TFE or trifluoroethyl alcohol, is a synthetic organic compound with the molecular formula C₂H₃F₃O and CAS Number 75-89-8. It is a colorless, water-miscible liquid with a mild ethanol-like odor and unique physicochemical properties due to the trifluoromethyl group.

Trifluoroethanol (TFE) is widely used as a specialized solvent in pharmaceutical manufacturing, peptide synthesis, organic chemistry reactions, and advanced research applications.

Technical Specifications

ITEMS	SPECIFICATIONS
Appearance	Bright and clear liquid
TFE Purity	≥99.0%
Water	≤0.06%
Fluoride	≤0.0015%
Chloride	≤0.001%
pH of the aqueous solution by 10%	5~7

Package & Storage

Net weight 250kgs drum, 20MT/20'FCL with pallets.
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and incompatible materials.

Benefits of Trifluoroethanol

Superior Solvent Properties:

High polarity and ability to dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar compounds, including peptides and proteins.

Protein Folding and Denaturation Studies:

Widely used as a co-solvent in biophysical research to induce α-helical structures in peptides.

Enhanced Reaction Rates:

Accelerates certain oxidations (e.g., sulfur compounds with hydrogen peroxide) and other transformations.

Stability in Harsh Conditions:

Resistant to many chemical environments, making it suitable for sensitive syntheses.

Versatility in Synthesis:

Serves as an intermediate for fluorinated compounds, anesthetics, agrochemicals, and specialty polymers.

Applications and Uses of Trifluoroethanol

TFE finds extensive use across multiple high-tech sectors:

Pharmaceutical and Peptide Synthesis

Key solvent in solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis
Co-solvent for solubilizing peptides and studying protein folding via NMR spectroscopy
Intermediate in the production of fluorinated pharmaceuticals and anesthetics

Organic Chemistry and Synthesis

Specialized solvent for oxidations, reductions, and other reactions
Medium for catalyst-free syntheses (e.g., chromene and pyran derivatives)
Purification processes in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) to minimize epimerization

Industrial and Polymer Applications

Solvent for nylon polymerization and polyamide resins
Component in specialty paints and coatings (e.g., as 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate monomer)
Cleaning solvent and working fluid in advanced engineering systems

Research and Analytical

Eluent in HPLC separations
Tool in biophysical and structural biology studies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the primary uses of Trifluoroethanol in industry?

A: TFE is primarily used as a solvent in peptide synthesis, organic reactions (e.g., oxidations), protein folding studies, nylon polymerization, and as an intermediate in fluorinated pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Q: Is Trifluoroethanol safe to handle?

A: TFE is hazardous (toxic, flammable, corrosive to eyes, potential reproductive toxin). It must be handled in a fume hood with appropriate PPE and ventilation.

Q: How should Trifluoroethanol be stored?

A: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers away from ignition sources, heat, and incompatible materials (oxidizers, bases).

Q: Can TFE be used in protein research?

A: Yes, TFE is a standard co-solvent in biophysical studies to induce α-helical conformations in peptides and investigate protein folding/denaturation.