Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS, TFSA, HOTf or TfOH) has a wide range of uses, mainly due to its strong acidity, thermal stability and chemical stability. The following are the main uses of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid:

‌1. Replacement of traditional inorganic acids:
In many cases, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid can replace traditional inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid to optimize and improve processes. Its strong acidity and stability make it perform well in a variety of chemical reactions.

‌2. Catalyst:
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is used as a catalyst in the study of esterification reactions. Its strong acidity can accelerate the reaction rate and increase the yield.
In the fields of pharmaceuticals and organic synthetic chemistry, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid can promote a variety of complex chemical reactions as a catalyst.

‌3. Pharmaceutical field:
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is widely used in the pharmaceutical field to produce pharmaceutical intermediate raw materials such as nucleosides, antibiotics, steroids, glycosides and vitamins.
It can also be used as a catalyst to participate in the pharmaceutical synthesis process to improve the synthesis efficiency and purity of drugs.

‌4. Chemical and other fields‌:
In the chemical industry, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and its related products such as trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate are environmentally friendly and have strong catalytic effects. They are widely used in industries such as silicone, petrochemicals, rubber, flavors and fragrances, and pesticides.
In addition, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is also used in the synthesis and research of new energy materials, such as hydrofluoric acid fuel cells.
In summary, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid has a wide range of applications in many fields due to its unique chemical properties and is known as a “universal synthetic tool”.
The following is an overview of its main application areas:
Pharmaceutical field:
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is widely used in the production of pharmaceutical intermediate raw materials such as nucleosides, antibiotics, steroids, glycosides and vitamins.
It can also be used as a catalyst to participate in the pharmaceutical synthesis process to improve the synthesis efficiency and purity of drugs.
Chemical field:
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and its related products, such as trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, are environmentally friendly and have strong catalytic effects.
Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid also plays an important role in industries such as silicone, petrochemicals, rubber, flavors and fragrances, and pesticides.
‌Electronic chemistry field:
Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (made from trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as the main raw material) can be used to produce electronically conductive polymers.
‌Other fields:
In the field of pesticides, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride can be used to synthesize herbicides.
In the field of plastics, trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride can be used for plastic modification.
Due to its strong acidity and stability, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid can replace traditional inorganic acids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid in many occasions, playing a role in optimizing and improving processes.
In summary, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid plays an important role in many industries due to its unique chemical properties and wide range of applications.

Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid Chemical Properties
Melting point -40 °C
Boiling point 162 °C (lit.)
density 1.696 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
vapor density 5.2 (vs air)
vapor pressure 8 mm Hg ( 25 °C)
refractive index n20/D 1.327(lit.)
RTECS PB2771000
Fp None
storage temp. Store below +30°C.
solubility Miscible in H₂O
pka -14(at 25℃)
form Fuming Liquid
Specific Gravity 1.696
color slightly brown
PH <1 (H2O)
Water Solubility SOLUBLE
Sensitive Hygroscopic
Merck 14,9676
BRN 1812100
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with acids, alkalis, metals.
InChIKey ITMCEJHCFYSIIV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP 0.3 at 25℃

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