hexafluoro2propanol

Hexafluoroisopropanol, often abbreviated as HFIP, is a chemical compound with the formula (CF3)2CHOH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is miscible with water and many organic solvents. HFIP is known for its unique properties, including its strong acidity and its ability to dissolve a wide range of polymers that are insoluble in common solvents. These properties stem from the electronegativity of the fluorine atoms, which polarize the carbon-hydrogen bonds and the hydroxyl group.

HFIP is primarily used as a solvent in organic chemistry and polymer science. Its strong hydrogen-bond donating ability makes it particularly effective at solvating polar compounds and stabilizing transition states in chemical reactions. It is frequently employed in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for analyzing challenging samples, such as peptides and certain polymers. Additionally, HFIP finds application in the synthesis of specialty polymers and in the processing of materials like polycarbonates and polyamides. Despite its utility, HFIP is a strong irritant and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions, including good ventilation.