What is Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid CAS 1493-13-6?

CAS 1493-13-6 is trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, also called triflic acid or TFMSA, with the molecular formula CF3SO3H. It is a strong organic sulfonic acid supplied as a colorless to pale, fuming, hygroscopic liquid.

Why is triflic acid classified as a superacid?

Triflic acid is one of the strongest monoprotic organic acids and is substantially stronger than concentrated sulfuric acid. Its very low pKa allows it to protonate weak bases and activate substrates that common mineral or sulfonic acids cannot effectively convert.

What reactions use Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid CAS 1493-13-6 as a catalyst?

It catalyzes esterification, acylation, alkylation, rearrangement, and polymerization reactions. It is used in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis where strong acidity, thermal stability, and low-nucleophilicity triflate chemistry are required.

Why is the triflate anion useful in organic synthesis?

The triflate anion, CF3SO3-, is weakly coordinating and has very low nucleophilicity, so it reduces unwanted chain termination or side reactions in cationic processes. Triflate esters also serve as highly reactive leaving groups in coupling and substitution reactions.

How should triflic acid be stored and handled?

Keep triflic acid tightly sealed and dry, away from moisture and incompatible materials, because it is highly corrosive and hygroscopic. Use acid-resistant gloves, eye protection, face protection, and adequate ventilation when transferring or handling the product.

Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid CAS 1493-13-6

Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, identified by CAS 1493-13-6, is a non-oxidizing liquid superacid characterized by its exceptional thermal stability and high dissociation constant, functioning as a critical Fine Chemical in modern industrial synthesis. This anhydrous sulfonic acid serves as a potent catalyst and reagent, facilitating electrophilic reactions, alkylations, and polymerizations through the generation of highly reactive triflate intermediates. It is widely utilized in the production of pharmaceutical precursors, specialized polymers, and electronic chemicals where standard protonic acids lack the necessary acidity to drive complex rearrangements. We provide this material with competitive factory pricing to support large-scale manufacturing requirements, ensuring that all batches meet customized specifications to suit sensitive catalytic processes. Our logistics infrastructure is optimized for bulk supply, and every shipment is accompanied by comprehensive technical documentation, including MSDS, TDS, COA, to ensure regulatory compliance and process safety.

CAS: 1493-13-6
Synonyms: Triflic acid, TFMS, Perfluoromethanesulfonic acid, Methanesulfonic acid trifluoro, Trifluoromethane sulfonic acid
Einecs: 216-087-5
Molecular Formula: CF3SO3H
Grade: Industrial / Reagent Grade
Package: 25kg/drum, 200kg/drum, or ISO Tank

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Product Description

1 Technical Data (Physicochemical Properties)

2 Applications

3 Storage & Safety

4 Quality Assurance

Technical Data (Physicochemical Properties)

Property	Specification (Typical Export Standard)
Appearance	Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Assay (Titration)	≥ 99.5%
Water Content (KF)	≤ 0.05%
Chloride (Cl-)	≤ 0.002%
Sulfate (SO4 2-)	≤ 0.005%
Boiling Point	162 °C
Density (20°C)	1.696 g/cm³
Color (APHA)	≤ 30

Applications

Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Used as a catalyst for the preparation of nucleosides, steroids, and vitamins; also used to create triflate leaving groups in coupling reactions.
Polymer Industry: Acts as a cationic polymerization initiator for various monomers, including tetrahydrofuran and silicones.
Fuel Cells & Electrolytes: Utilized in the development of proton-exchange membranes and lithium-ion battery electrolytes due to its high ionic conductivity.
General Organic Chemistry: Employs as a catalyst for Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation where high efficiency and low byproduct formation are required.

For catalytic esterification or polymer processing where a milder solid organic acid is specified, p-Toluenesulfonic Acid is a separate acid catalyst.

Storage & Safety

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Containers must be tightly sealed and stored upright in a corrosion-resistant area.
Handling: Highly corrosive and hygroscopic. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
PPE Recommendations: Use acid-resistant gloves (Nitrile or Butyl), chemical safety goggles, full face shield, and a corrosive-resistant laboratory coat or apron. Use only under a chemical fume hood with adequate local exhaust ventilation.

Quality Assurance

Our production facility adheres to rigorous quality management protocols to ensure high-purity output. Each batch undergoes stringent analytical testing, including HPLC for purity verification and Karl Fischer titration for moisture control. We implement standardized manufacturing processes to maintain consistency, providing the technical reliability required for critical industrial applications.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid CAS 1493-13-6?

A: CAS 1493-13-6 is trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, also called triflic acid or TFMSA, with the molecular formula CF3SO3H. It is a strong organic sulfonic acid supplied as a colorless to pale, fuming, hygroscopic liquid.
Q:
Why is triflic acid classified as a superacid?

A: Triflic acid is one of the strongest monoprotic organic acids and is substantially stronger than concentrated sulfuric acid. Its very low pKa allows it to protonate weak bases and activate substrates that common mineral or sulfonic acids cannot effectively convert.
Q:
What reactions use Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid CAS 1493-13-6 as a catalyst?

A: It catalyzes esterification, acylation, alkylation, rearrangement, and polymerization reactions. It is used in pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis where strong acidity, thermal stability, and low-nucleophilicity triflate chemistry are required.
Q:
Why is the triflate anion useful in organic synthesis?

A: The triflate anion, CF3SO3-, is weakly coordinating and has very low nucleophilicity, so it reduces unwanted chain termination or side reactions in cationic processes. Triflate esters also serve as highly reactive leaving groups in coupling and substitution reactions.
Q:
How should triflic acid be stored and handled?

A: Keep triflic acid tightly sealed and dry, away from moisture and incompatible materials, because it is highly corrosive and hygroscopic. Use acid-resistant gloves, eye protection, face protection, and adequate ventilation when transferring or handling the product.

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