Methods Used to Remove Trifluoroethanol from Compounds

Trifluoroethanol, also known as TFE and trifluoroethyl alcohol, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CF3CH2OH. Trifluoroethanol is a colorless compound that emits an ethanol like odor. The fact that trifluoroethanol is more acidic than ethanol, as well as the inclusion of the element fluorine, makes it different than ethanol.

TFE is made through a process called hydrogenation. Hydrogenation, put simply, is when hydrogen (H2) is added to a compound. You can see H2 in the chemical formula for TFE (CF3CH2OH).

Trifluoroethanol, while it can be used alone, is generally used in the creation of compounds. Consequently, when you have compounds, you sometimes have a need to take out one of the components. This is where trifluoroethanol chemical composition can make the extraction process difficult.

The main reason that scientists use TFE is as a solvent in chemistry. TFE can be used as a solvent with sulfur, hydrogen peroxide, nylon, and others. It is a very versatile compound and is subsequently used in a number of situations. Because it is used in so many different ways, it is necessary to know a few ways to extract it. The following are three ways the remove TFE from a compound.

Distillation, the process of heating a mixture to its boiling point to separate the different components, can rarely be used in removing trifluoroethanol. It cannot be used because it is too much of a risk. If the compound in question contains too little TFE, the distillation process might take too much out, making the rest of the compound unusable.

There are ways to remove TFE. The first method of removal is done by using a new machine, patent pending. A compound containing TFE is put into this machine, and the machine can extract TFE from a compound using the varying pressures between TFE and the rest of the compound. This method will allow the original compound to remain safe, will successfully taking away the trifluoroethanol. This method is being widely accepted in the scientific field and shows the most promise.

Another technique for TFE removal is a more advanced form of distillation. In this process, a much larger amount is water is put into the compound. With the introduction of more water, the TFE is able to bond differently to the components of water, therefore allowing it to be removed with a much lower risk of damage not only to the TFE, but the original compound as well.

While the removal of trifluoroethanol is quite difficult, it is possible. The most plausible ways are using the machine described above, and the advanced distillation technique. Normal distillation is not recommended because of the risk of harming the compound.

Sources

Articler.com. Techniques for Trifluoroethanol Removal. Retrieved on January 10, 2008 from http://www.articler.com/74037/Techniques-For-Trifluoroethanol-Removal.html .