CF3CO2OCF3

Trifluoroacetyl trifluoroacetate, with the chemical formula CF3CO2OCF3, is an organic compound. It is the anhydride of trifluoroacetic acid. This molecule can be viewed as two trifluoroacetyl groups linked by an oxygen atom. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Due to the presence of highly electronegative fluorine atoms, the trifluoromethyl groups (CF3) exert a strong electron-withdrawing effect. This makes the carbonyl carbons in the molecule highly electrophilic.

CF3CO2OCF3 is a reactive compound. It readily undergoes hydrolysis in the presence of water to regenerate trifluoroacetic acid. It can also react with nucleophiles such as alcohols and amines, leading to acylation reactions. The trifluoroacetyl group is a good leaving group, which contributes to its reactivity. It can be synthesized by dehydrating trifluoroacetic acid using a suitable dehydrating agent, such as phosphorus pentoxide. Due to its reactivity and corrosive nature, it requires careful handling and storage. Its primary uses are as a reagent in organic synthesis, particularly for the introduction of the trifluoroacetyl group. This is valuable in areas such as pharmaceutical research and the synthesis of specialty chemicals.