Hexafluoro-2-propanol
Hexafluoroisopropanol, commonly abbreviated HFIP, is the organic compound with the formula 2CHOH. This fluoroalcohol finds use as solvent and synthetic intermediate. It appears as a colorless, volatile liquid that is characterized by a strong, pungent odor. As a solvent hexafluoro-2-propanol is polar and exhibits strong hydrogen bonding properties enabling it to dissolve substances that serve as hydrogen-bond acceptors, such as amides and ethers. 2CHCOH is classified as a hard Lewis acid and its acceptor properties are discussed in the ECW model. Hexafluoro-2-propanol is transparent to UV light with high density, low viscosity and low refractive index.Production and uses
Hexafluoro-propan-2-ol is prepared from hexafluoropropylene through hexafluoroacetone, which is then hydrogenated.
Hexafluoro-propan-2-ol is a speciality solvent for some polar polymers and organic synthesis. It is especially effective for solubilizing a wide range of polymers, including those that are not soluble in the most common organic solvents, such as: polyamides, polyacrylonitriles, polyacetals, polyesters, and polyketones. It has also found use in biochemistry to solubilize peptides and to monomerize β-sheet protein aggregates. Because of its acidity, it can be used as acid in volatile buffers for ion pair HPLC - mass spectrometry of nucleic acids.Medicine
It is both the precursor and the chief metabolite of the inhalation anesthetic sevoflurane.Safety
Hexafluoro-2-propanol is a volatile, corrosive liquid that can cause severe burns and respiratory problems.
