Trifluoroethanol

Synonyms

2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol; 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl alcohol; Fluorinol 85; TFE; Trifluoroethanol; beta,beta,beta-Trifluoroethyl alcohol; Ethanol, 2,2,2-trifluoro-; [ChemIDplus] UN1986

Category

Halogenated Alcohols

Description

Colorless liquid with an ethanol-like odor; bp = 74.1 deg C; [Merck Index]

Sources/Uses

Used in organic synthesis (anesthetics, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals), in polymerizations, as a cleaning solvent, as a working fluid in Rankine-cycle engines, as an eluent in HPLC separations, and as an alternative to CFCs; [Merck Index]

Comments

A skin irritant; Corrosive to eyes; [eChemPortal: ERMA] An irritant; Causes CNS depression in high-dose animal studies; [MSDSonline] In a 4-week inhalation study of rats exposed at 50 ppm, decreased testicular weight and hypospermatogenesis were observed. No adverse effects were observed in rats exposed to 10 ppm. A cluster of 5 exposed workers were reported to have smaller testicles. [AIHA]

Biomedical References

71.3 mm Hg

LC50 (rat) = 470 ppm/6h

Explanatory Notes

The Guide in the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Alcohols, flammable , toxic, n.o.s." VP from ChemIDplus;

0.3 ppm

Acute solvent syndrome

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Solvents, acute toxic effect

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Degreasing