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.
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.
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.
