Overview
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CAS 1493-13-6 ), commercially known as triflic acid or TfOH, is one of the strongest known Brønsted acids and a highly reactive proton donor.
Its primary industrial role is as a superacid catalyst and reagent in demanding synthetic and manufacturing processes where conventional acids lack sufficient reactivity.
In pharmaceutical synthesis, TfOH drives acid-catalyzed cyclizations, glycosylations, and Friedel-Crafts-type reactions where milder acids fail to achieve acceptable yields or selectivity.
Polymer manufacturers use it to initiate cationic polymerization and produce high-performance specialty polymers, including certain polybenzimidazoles and polyarylenes used in membrane applications.
In textile and paper processing, it functions as a catalyst for surface treatment and finishing chemistries requiring precise pH control under aggressive conditions.
Triflate salts derived from TfOH also serve as precursors to ionic liquid systems and metal triflate Lewis acid catalysts used across fine chemical Contact us for supply of Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | <25 °C |
| Boiling Point | 162 °C |
| Density | 1.69 g/cm³ (liquid) |
| Flash Point | None |
| Appearance | Clear very light yellow liquid |
| Color | slightly brown |
| Form | Fuming Liquid |
| Water Solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Vapor Pressure | 8 mm Hg ( 25 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.327(lit.) |
| pH | <1 (H2O) |
| Log P | 0.3 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H290 May be corrosive to metals H302 Harmful if swallowed H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P234 Keep only in original packaging. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P390 Absorb spillage to prevent material damage. P405 Store locked up. P406 Store in a corrosion-resistant/… container with a resistant inner liner. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29049020 |
| UN Number | 3265 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 1493-13-6
- EC Number
- 216-087-5
- Mol. Weight
- 150.08
- HS Code
- 29049020
- Category
- Catalysts & Catalyst Precursors