Benzotrifluoride is a colorless to light yellow liquid, low viscosity liquid. Its polarity is intermediate between those of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, and it is miscible with common organic solvents and able to dissolve many organic compounds. Benzotrifluoride is used in a wide variety of reactions including radical reactions, oxidations and reductions, phase-transfer reactions, transition metal catalyzed processes andLewis acid reactions.
It is applied as an alternative solvent to dichloromethane, where it has a higher bp. It is used as an intermediate for dyes and pharmaceuticals, as a solvent and a dielectric fluid, a vulcanizing agent.
Benzotrifluoride is a useful alternative solvent for organic reactions currently conducted in dichloromethane and related solvents.
In dye chemistry; in the manufacture of substituted benzotrifluorides contg an ethylenic group, used in high polymer chemistry; in dielectric fluids, such as transformer oils.
ChEBI: (trifluoromethyl)benzene is a fluorohydrocarbon that is fluoroform in which the hydrogen is substituted by a phenyl group. It has a role as a solvent and an environmental contaminant. It is a fluorohydrocarbon and a member of (trifluoromethyl)benzenes. It derives from a fluoroform.
A clear colorless liquid with an aromatic odor. Flash point of 54°F. Vapors are heavier than air. Insoluble in water and slightly denser than water. May be toxic by inhalation.
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Benzotrifluoride may react with oxidizing materials, strong bases and reducing agents.
Highly toxic by inhalation. Flammable, dangerous fire risk.
Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Poison by intraperitoneal route.Moderately toxic by subcutaneous route. Dangerous fire hazard. To fight fire, usewater, foam, CO2, spray mist, dry chemical. When heatedto decomposition it emits toxic fumes of F??. Incompatiblewith oxidizing materials
Purify benzotrifluoride by repeated treatment with boiling aqueous Na2CO3 (until no test for chloride ion is obtained), dry it with K2CO3, then with P2O5, and fractionally distil it. [Beilstein 5 IV 802.]
