Chemical Properties
Sodium trifluoroacetate is an organic metal compound with the chemical formula CF3COONa. It is a white crystalline powderr that easily absorbs moisture. This compound has the ability to add a trifluoromethyl group to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons.
Uses
Sodium trifluoroacetate is used in acid catalyzed reactions. It is also used as an intermediate for active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). Further, it acts as a precursor for the trifluoromethylation of aldehydes using copper(I) halide as a catalyst.
Preparation
It can be obtained by reacting trifluoroacetic acid with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.
Purification Methods
A possible contaminant is NaCl. The solid is treated with CF3CO2H and evaporated twice. Its solubility in CF3CO2H is 13.1% at 29.8o. The residue is crystallised from dilute EtOH, and the solid is dried in vacuum at 100o. [Hara & Cady J Am Chem Soc 76 4285 1954.] It can be precipitated from EtOH by adding dioxane, then recrystallising several times from hot absolute EtOH. Dry it at 120-130o/1mm. [Beilstein 2 IV 461.]
