Trifluoroacetyl chloride is incompatible with a number of other varieties of chemicals, such as amines, alcohols, alkalis, and strong oxidizers. It reacts strongly with amines and alkalis. It also reacts violently with diisopropyl ether, or any ether if metal salts are present, sometimes causing an explosion.[3]
Trifluoroacetyl chloride also reacts with soil, cellulose-based absorbents, and clay-based absorbents.[5] When the compound reacts with water in contact with metal, hydrogen gas, which is explosive, is produced.[6] The compound forms a clustering reaction with a methyl group (CH3).[7]
Trifluoroacetyl chloride's applications include uses in medicine, pesticides, the fine chemical industry, and the organic intermediate industry.[3] However, the compound itself is not sold to consumers or as a commodity.[4] Some acetoacetic esters produced by trifluoroacetyl chloride are in turn used to perform chemical reactions that result in the formation of compounds with agricultural and pharmaceutical applications.[1]
Trifluoroacetyl chloride is typically stored as a liquid under high pressure.[4]
Biological role, precautions, and toxicity
Liquid trifluoroacetyl chloride can cause frostbite if it comes in contact with unprotected skin. If inhaled, the compound in its gaseous state will irritate the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Trifluoroacetyl chloride is a toxic compound, and may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.[12] When the compound burns, it produces toxic gases.[3] It also corrodes the respiratory tract.[4] The compound is also a lacrimator. It can cause dyspnea if inhaled by mice, rats, or guinea pigs. A concentration of 35.3 parts per million of trifluoroacetyl chloride is enough to usually kill a rat in six hours.[6]
Trifluoroacetyl chloride does not bioaccumulate significantly. However, it is harmful to aquatic organisms.[13]