Triphenylsulfanium 2-(Trifluoromethyl)Benzene-1-Sulfonate
[CAS# 425670-97-9]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Sulfonate / sulfinate
• Name: Triphenylsulfanium 2-(Trifluoromethyl)Benzene-1-Sulfonate
• Synonyms: TPS-TFMBS
• Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₁₉F₃O₃S₂
• Molecular Weight: 488.54
• CAS Registry Number: 425670-97-9
• EC Number: 682-855-5
• SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)[S+](C2=CC=CC=C2)C3=CC=CC=C3.C4=CC=CC(=C4[S](=O)(=O)[O-])C(F)(F)F

Properties

• Melting point: 156-157 ºC

Safety Data

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314

Discovory and Applicatios

Triphenylsulfonium 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate is a specialized sulfonium salt widely utilized as a photoinitiator in cationic polymerization processes. This compound consists of a triphenylsulfonium cation paired with a 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate anion, a combination that exhibits excellent reactivity under ultraviolet (UV) light. The high efficiency of triphenylsulfonium salts in generating strong acids upon UV exposure has made them crucial in industries requiring rapid curing of resins, coatings, and adhesives.

The discovery of triphenylsulfonium salts can be traced back to research into developing new cationic photoinitiators with enhanced solubility and reactivity. The incorporation of fluorinated sulfonate anions, such as the 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate anion, in these compounds was found to improve both the solubility in organic media and the efficiency of acid generation upon UV irradiation. This advancement resulted in the creation of highly effective photoinitiators, suitable for various formulations in the chemical and materials industries.

Triphenylsulfonium 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate works by absorbing UV light and undergoing photolysis to generate a reactive sulfonium cation, which then releases a strong acid. This acid triggers the polymerization of monomers such as epoxides and vinyl ethers, enabling the formation of cross-linked polymer networks. The speed and control offered by this mechanism are particularly useful in industrial applications that require fast and efficient curing processes, such as the production of coatings, adhesives, and inks.

One of the key applications of this compound is in UV-curable coatings. These coatings are widely used in industries like automotive, electronics, and packaging, where durability, chemical resistance, and fast curing are essential. Triphenylsulfonium 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate enables the rapid formation of robust polymer layers, providing protection against environmental factors like moisture, heat, and abrasion. The compound’s ability to cure coatings quickly under UV light also enhances production efficiency by reducing drying times.

In the adhesives industry, this photoinitiator plays a vital role in formulating UV-curable adhesives, which are used for bonding materials like plastics, glass, and metals. The ability to initiate polymerization on demand with UV light allows manufacturers to precisely control the bonding process, resulting in strong, durable adhesive joints with minimal processing time. This feature is particularly valuable in industries such as electronics, where rapid assembly and high bonding precision are required.

Triphenylsulfonium 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate is also used in the production of UV-curable inks, especially for printing on non-porous surfaces such as plastics and metals. The fast-curing properties of the compound help to produce high-quality prints with sharp resolution, while also ensuring the inks are smudge-resistant and durable. These properties make it ideal for applications in packaging, labeling, and other areas requiring long-lasting printed materials.

The development of triphenylsulfonium 2-(trifluoromethyl)benzene-1-sulfonate represents a significant advancement in the field of photoinitiators, combining high reactivity, stability, and versatility. Its wide range of applications, from coatings and adhesives to inks, highlights its importance in modern manufacturing processes that rely on efficient, light-activated polymerization technologies.