TRIFLUOROACETIC ACID

Trifluoroacetic acid
(TFA, trifluoroethanoic acid)
CAS 76-05-1

CF₃COOH

Colorless liquid
bp 72 °C, mp -15 °C
Miscible with water

Odor

Sharp, pungent odor

3.9 (air = 1.0)

107 mmHg at 25 °C

Noncombustible

LD₅₀ oral (rat) 200 mg/kg

LC₅₀ inhal (rat) 2000 ppm (4 h)

Corrosive to the skin and eyes; vapor or mist is very irritating and can be destructive to the eyes and respiratory system; ingestion causes internal irritation and severe injury.

Trifluoroacetic acid is a highly corrosive substance. Contact of the liquid with the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes can cause severe burns, and ingestion can result in serious damage to the digestive tract. TFA vapor is highly irritating of the eyes and respiratory tract, and inhalation of high concentrations can lead to severe destruction of the upper respiratory tract and may be fatal as a result of pulmonary edema. Symptoms of overexposure to TFA vapor include a burning feeling, coughing, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Trifluoroacetic acid has not been found to be carcinogenic or to show reproductive or developmental toxicity in humans.

Trifluoroacetic acid is not combustible. Nevertheless, the presence of trifluoroacetic acid at the site of a fire would be of great concern because of its high vapor pressure and extreme corrosiveness.

Mixing trifluoroacetic acid and water evolves considerable heat.

Trifluoroacetic acid should be handled in the laboratory using the "basic prudent practices" described in Chapter 5.C. In particular, trifluoroacetic acid should be stored in an acid cabinet away from other classes of compounds. Because of its high vapor pressure, fumes of trifluoroacetic acid can destroy labels on other bottles if the container is not tightly sealed.

In the event of skin contact, the affected area should be flushed immediately with copious amounts of water. In case of eye contact, promptly wash with copious amounts of water for 15 min (lifting upper and lower lids occasionally). Medical attention should be obtained immediately in the event of contact with a large area of the skin or eye contact. If trifluoroacetic acid is ingested, obtain medical attention immediately. If large amounts of this compound are inhaled, move the person to fresh air and seek medical attention at once.

Carefully neutralize small spills of TFA with a suitable agent such as sodium carbonate, dilute with absorbent material, place in an appropriate container, and dispose of properly. Respiratory protection may be necessary in the event of a large spill or release in a confined area.

Trifluoroacetic acid and waste material containing this substance should be placed in an appropriate container, clearly labeled, and handled according to your institution's waste disposal guidelines.

The information in this LCSS has been compiled by a committee of the National Research Council from literature sources and Material Safety Data Sheets and is believed to be accurate as of July 1994. This summary is intended for use by trained laboratory personnel in conjunction with the NRC report Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals. This LCSS presents a concise summary of safety information that should be adequate for most laboratory uses of the title substance, but in some cases it may be advisable to consult more comprehensive references. This information should not be used as a guide to the nonlaboratory use of this chemical.

Copyright 1995 National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.