© 2026 Sinochem Nanjing Corporation,
All Right Reserved
Name: 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol
Chemical Formula: C2H3F3O
CAS Number: 75-89-8
Common Uses: Labs usually reach for this solvent in peptide chemistry, organic synthesis, and work involving spectroscopy.
Description: This is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct alcoholic, almost etherlike odor. Its reputation for dissolving stubborn salts and facilitating reactions means it often claims a spot in research environments.
GHS Classification: Flammable liquids, Acute toxicity oral, skin, and inhalation, Serious eye damage/irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Hazards: This chemical can irritate the eyes and skin on contact, and inhalation causes dizziness and headaches. Swallowing even modest amounts brings on nausea or central nervous system depression. Vapor is heavier than air and collects in low places, creating fire risks. Moderate toxicity—so handling means gloves, ventilation, and a no-nonsense approach to keeping it away from open flames or sparks.
Chemical: 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol
Concentration: Typically used as 100% pure in laboratory applications. Impurities tend to be minimal with reputable suppliers.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Shallow breathing, coughing, or dizziness signals the need for immediate medical advice.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with plenty of water. Prolonged exposure should get attention from healthcare providers.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses during rinsing, if present and easy to do.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention for any ingestion beyond minute spills or splashes.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam. Water spray can help cool containers, but direct water jets might not control the fire.
Hazards During Fire: Vapors form explosive mixtures with air. If the vapor catches fire indoors, the flash can travel back to the source, catching the unwary.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters prefer full protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus. Watch out for toxic HF and carbon oxides as combustion byproducts.
Personal Precautions: Ventilate the area immediately. Use gloves, safety goggles, and lab coats. Keep unprotected persons away from the spill.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent runoff into drains, groundwater, or surface water. This chemical can migrate quickly and disrupt aquatic systems.
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spills with inert materials; avoid creating dust or aerosols. Sweep up, shovel into appropriate containers, and clean affected surfaces thoroughly.
Handling Precautions: Work in a fume hood or with robust local exhaust. Keep the container tightly closed. Prevent static discharge by grounding all equipment.
Storage: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances like oxidizers, acids, and alkalis. Laboratories usually opt for flammables cabinets and label containers clearly.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods keep vapors away. Laboratories may install gas detection or use alarmed storage for added security.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), splash-proof goggles, and lab coats. Respiratory protection comes into play if ventilation is inadequate.
Exposure Limits: Not all countries publish strict standards, but repeat exposure and chronic handling still call for careful monitoring and common-sense hygiene practices.
Boiling Point: Around 74°C
Melting Point: -43°C
Flash Point: Approximately 23°C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: Significant at room temperature, contributing to quick evaporation.
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid with strong odor.
Solubility: Miscible with water and many organic solvents. This property makes it a versatile but sometimes unpredictable player in mixtures.
Density: About 1.37 g/cm³
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal lab conditions, but easily forms flammable vapors.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong bases, acids, oxidizers, and alkali metals. Violent reactions and hazardous byproducts can result from careless storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: May generate CO, CO2, hydrogen fluoride, and other gasses upon heating or combustion.
Routes of Exposure: Eyes, skin, inhalation, and ingestion all matter for trifluoroethanol. Inhalation stands out in poorly ventilated areas.
Symptoms: Rapid onset of dizziness, headaches, and confusion signals exposure. Repeated or high-level contact can harm the central nervous system and irritate mucous membranes.
Long-term Effects: Research notes potential liver and kidney impacts. No one wants to tempt fate with slow, subtle toxin buildup.
Aquatic Toxicity: Moderate to high. Fish and invertebrates may suffer if spills reach streams or groundwater. Persistence in the environment calls for rapid cleanup.
Degradability: May break down in the environment, but harmful intermediates can form.
Bioaccumulation: Low chance in most conditions, yet chronic releases still spell trouble for local water systems and wildlife.
Methods: Incinerate in a chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber where possible. Small amounts can be handled through certified chemical waste services.
Precautions: Spillages go directly to hazardous waste containers. Don’t pour down the drain. Contaminated packaging should also be treated as hazardous waste.
UN Number: UN 1992
Proper Shipping Name: Flammable liquid, toxic, n.o.s. (contains 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol)
Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II (significant danger at higher concentrations)
Transport Precautions: Keep tightly closed and upright. Comply with all local and international regulations for hazardous materials.
GHS Labeling: Flammable liquid, hazardous health effects.
U.S. Regulation: Subject to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. SARA Title III and CERCLA may apply if quantities exceed reporting thresholds.
EU Regulation: Classified under CLP Regulation as flammable and hazardous; safety data sheets and workplace labeling required.
Environment: Strict waste and spill controls apply due to aquatic toxicity and volatility.
