1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol

CAS 920-66-1

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol (CAS 920-66-1) illustrates how molecular structure determines chemical role. 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoro-2-propanol, commonly HFIP, is a fluorinated alcohol whose six fluorine atoms radically alter the behavior expected from an ordinary secondary alcohol. Two trifluoromethyl groups strongly withdraw electron density, making the O-H proton unusually acidic for an alcohol and giving HFIP exceptional hydrogen-bond-donor ability. It is also weakly nucleophilic and can dissolve an unusual range of organic materials, including some polymers and peptides. These properties make HFIP valuable in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, polymer processing, and peptide or protein studies. It can stabilize ions and hydrogen-bond to substrates without acting like a strongly nucleophilic protic solvent. Its volatility and fluorinated character require suitable ventilation and chemical-safety controls.