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TRIFLUOROACETIC ACID
TRIFLUOROACETIC ACID
Trifluoroacetic acid is an organofluorine compound with the chemical formula CF₃CO₂H. It is a structural analogue of acetic acid with all three of the acetyl group's hydrogen atoms replaced by fluorine atoms and is a colorless liquid with a vinegar-like odor.
At a low concentration, TFA is used as an ion pairing agent in liquid chromatography (HPLC) of organic compounds, particularly peptides and small proteins. TFA is a versatile solvent for NMR spectroscopy (for materials stable in acid). It is also used as a calibrant in mass spectrometry.
Trifluoroacetic acid has been used as the reagent of choice for the removal of nitrogen and oxygen protecting groups by solvolysis under aqueous or anhydrous conditions.
Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is commonly used to release synthesized peptides from solid-phase resins. TFA or acetate is also used during the reversed-phase HPLC purification of peptides. The acids at low concentration are helpful for peptide solubility and HPLC separation.