Trifluoacetessigsäure

Trifluoacetessigsäure, also known as trifluoroacetic acid or TFA, is a chemical compound with the formula CF3COOH. It is a strong organic acid, significantly more acidic than acetic acid due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the three fluorine atoms on the methyl group. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor and is miscible with water and many organic solvents. TFA is a byproduct of the degradation of certain fluorinated organic compounds, such as refrigerants and pesticides. It can be found in environmental samples, including rainwater and surface waters, as a result of atmospheric deposition. In laboratories, it is commonly used as a catalyst, a solvent, and a reagent in organic synthesis. Its strong acidic properties make it effective for cleaving protecting groups and promoting various chemical reactions. Due to its persistence in the environment and potential for bioaccumulation, its presence and impact are subjects of ongoing scientific research and regulatory attention.