4-(Trifluoromethylthio)phenol is an aromatic thio-phenol in which a strongly electron-withdrawing trifluoromethylthio group is located para to the hydroxyl function. The compound is air- and light-stable, freely soluble in common organic solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane) and sparingly soluble in cold water; commercial material is supplied ≥99 % pure.
Key physicochemical data:
Melting point: 71–73 °C
Boiling point: 205–207 °C / 760 mmHg
Density: 1.39 g cm⁻³ (25 °C, solid)
pKa (phenolic): ~7.2 (strongly acidified by SCF₃)
Flash point: 90 °C (closed cup)
Log P (octanol/water): 3.2 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Versatile building block for trifluoromethylthio-arenes via etherification, esterification or cross-coupling protocols.
Precursor for agro-chemicals, UV-absorbers and pharmaceutical intermediates containing the SCF₃ pharmacophore.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on highly fluorinated thio-phenols and radical SCF₃ transfer.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (GC): ≥99 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.2 %
Free thiol (as PhSH): ≤0.1 %
Residue on ignition: ≤0.1 %
Heavy metals: ≤20 ppm
Hazard statement:
Causes skin and eye irritation (H315 + H319). Harmful if swallowed (R22). Avoid inhalation of dust/vapour; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store under nitrogen with desiccant. SDS available on request.
