9682. Trifluoroethanol

Nomenclature

CAS number: 75-89-8
2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol; TFE; 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl alcohol.
C2H3F3O; mol wt 100.04.
C 24.01%, H 3.02%, F 56.97%, O 15.99%.
CF3CH2OH.

Description and references

Weakly acidic alcohol. Prepn: F. Swarts, Bull. Soc. Chim. Belg. 43, 471 (1934). Structural study: L. A. Curtiss et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 100, 79 (1978). Interaction with peptides and proteins: R. Rajan, P. Balaram, Int. J. Pept. Protein Res. 48, 328 (1996). Review of production and applications: S. Arai, Spec. Chem. 18, 294-297 (1998); of effects on peptide and protein structures: M. Buck, Q. Rev. Biophys. 31, 297-355 (1998).

Properties

Transparent, colorless liquid, odor similar to ethanol; bp 74.05°; mp 43.5°. d0 1.4106. d22 1.3739. nD22 1.2907. pK 12.4. Dielectric constant: 26.67. Dipole moment: 2.52 D. Miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, ketones, chloroform.

Use

In synthesis of medical anaesthetics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals; in polymerizations. Protein denaturant; stabilizes peptide structures. Cleaning solvent; eluent in HPLC separations; working fluid in Rankine heat cycle systems. Environmentally friendly alternative to CFCs.