2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Synonym(s):2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol;TFEA;transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3;Transcription factor for IgH enhancer;Trifluoroethyl alcohol

CAS NO.：75-89-8
Empirical Formula: C2H3F3O
Molecular Weight: 100.04
MDL number: MFCD00004672
EINECS: 200-913-6
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-13 11:24:16

What is 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol?

Chemical properties

Colorless liquid

The Uses of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (Trifluoroethyl alcohol, TFE) is used to study the conformational states of proteins and the folding refolding processes of proteins.

The Uses of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

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.

The Uses of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Trifluoroethanol serves as a solvent and a raw material in organic chemistry and biology. TFE is a solvent of choice for hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidations of sulfides. Trifluoroethanol acts as a protein denaturant. It is used in the manufacture of certain pharmaceuticals and drug substances. The drug fluromer, which is 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-vinyloxyethane, is the vinyl ether of trifluorethanol. It is an effective solvent for peptides and proteins, and used for NMR-based protein folding studies, and in the manufacture of nylon. As a source of the trifluoromethyl group, it is employed in several organic reactions, for example in Still-Gennari modification of Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction (HWE) reaction.

What are the applications of Application

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol is an acidic alcohol that forms stable complexes with heterocycles

Definition

ChEBI: 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol is a fluoroalcohol. It is functionally related to an ethanol.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, intravenous, and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by inhalation and skin contact. Experimental reproductive effects. A severe skin and eye irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of F-.

Purification Methods

Dry it with CaSO4 and a little NaHCO3 (to remove traces of acid) and distil it. Highly TOXIC vapour. [Beilstein 1 IV 1370.]

Properties of 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Melting point:	−44 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	77-80 °C(lit.)
Density	1.391 g/mL at 20 °C
vapor density	3.5 (vs air)
vapor pressure	70 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
refractive index	n20/D 1.3(lit.)
Flash point:	85 °F
storage temp.	Store below +30°C.
solubility	soluble in Chloroform, Methanol
pka	12.4(at 25℃)
form	Liquid
color	Clear colorless
Specific Gravity	1.373
PH Range	5-7 (10% aq soln)
Odor	Alcoholic odour
explosive limit	8.4-28.8%(V)
Water Solubility	Miscible with water, ethers, ketones, alcohols and chloroform.
λmax	λ: 260 nm Amax: ≤0.03 λ: 280 nm Amax: ≤0.02
Merck	14,9682
BRN	1733203
Dielectric constant	8.5500000000000007
Stability:	Stable. Flammable - note wide explosion limits. Moisture sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, sodium, potassium.
CAS DataBase Reference	75-89-8(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Ethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoro-(75-89-8)
EPA Substance Registry System	2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (75-89-8)

Safety information for 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Corrosion Corrosives GHS05 Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06 Health Hazard GHS08
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H318:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H373:Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure
Precautionary Statement Codes	P201:Obtain special instructions before use. P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301+P310:IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.