2-Trifluoromethyl phenyl thioacetic acid is an aromatic thio-carboxylic acid bearing a strongly electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl group ortho to the sulfur bridge. The compound is air-stable, freely soluble in dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, hot ethanol and aqueous alkali, and sparingly soluble in cold water. Commercial material is supplied ≥98 % pure.
Key physicochemical data:
Melting point: 128–130 °C (lit.)
Predicted boiling point: 315 °C / 760 mmHg (decomp.)
Density: 1.45 g cm⁻³ (25 °C, solid)
pKa (carboxylic, 25 °C): ~3.0 (acidified by CF₃)
Flash point: >200 °C
Log P (octanol/water): 3.2 (predicted)
Typical uses:
Versatile building block for trifluoromethylthio-aryl esters, sulfoxides and sulfones used in pharmaceutical and agro-chemical synthesis.
Precursor for benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid derivatives via intramolecular cyclisation or cross-coupling protocols.
Model substrate for mechanistic studies on highly fluorinated thio-acid decarboxylation and metal-catalysed C–S bond activation.
Quality specification (commercial grade):
Purity (HPLC): ≥98 %
Water content (KF): ≤0.3 %
Free acid (as trifluoroacetic acid): ≤0.5 %
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; use gloves, goggles and adequate ventilation. Store in a cool, dry place away from oxidants and strong bases. SDS available on request.
