2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) is a fluorinated methacrylate monomer used in the synthesis of fluorinated polymers and copolymers. The trifluoroethyl substituent introduces fluorinated aliphatic functionality and is relevant to polymer research involving reduced refractive index and hydrophobic surface behavior.
Synonyms: TFEMA; Methacrylic Acid 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl Ester.
TFEMA contains a polymerizable methacrylate group and may be used as a homopolymer precursor or comonomer. Polymer properties depend on variables including comonomer identity and composition, molecular weight, conversion, polymerization conditions, and final material architecture.
TFEMA is used in fluorinated and low-refractive-index polymer research. Research involving poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) and TFEMA-containing copolymers includes fluorinated coatings, controlled polymerization, and optical-material studies.
Key Properties
- Fluorinated methacrylate monomer
- Chemical purity: ≥ 99.0%
- CAS Number: 352-87-4
- Molecular formula: C6H7F3O2
- Molecular weight: 168.1 g/mol
- Appearance: clear colorless liquid
- Water content: ≤ 0.10%
- Color: APHA ≤ 20
- MEHQ inhibitor: 80–120 ppm
- Monomer refractive index: 1.361
- Poly(TFEMA) homopolymer Tg: approximately 80°C
- Poly(TFEMA) homopolymer refractive index: approximately 1.41
- Catalog number: 02622
- Package size: 25 g
Applications
Polymer & Copolymer Synthesis
TFEMA is used as a fluorinated methacrylate building block in homopolymer and copolymer synthesis. Its methacrylate functionality supports radical polymerization, while the trifluoroethyl side group introduces fluorinated aliphatic functionality into the resulting polymer.
Low-Refractive-Index Polymer Research
TFEMA is used in polymer research where reduced refractive index is a material-design objective. Poly(TFEMA) has an approximate homopolymer refractive index of 1.41. The refractive index of a final copolymer or formulated material depends on composition, molecular structure, and measurement conditions.
Fluorinated Polymer Coatings
TFEMA has been studied in fluorinated polymer and copolymer coatings where fluorinated monomer content is used to modify surface wettability and hydrophobic behavior. Final coating properties depend on comonomer selection, polymer composition, film formation, and processing conditions.
Controlled Polymerization Research
TFEMA has been used in controlled radical polymerization research, including RAFT polymerization and polymerization-induced self-assembly studies involving TFEMA-containing block copolymers.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Methacrylate functionality supports radical homopolymerization and copolymerization
- Contains 80–120 ppm MEHQ inhibitor, which should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions
- Final polymer properties depend on comonomer identity, monomer ratio, conversion, molecular weight, and polymer architecture
- Fluorinated TFEMA units can influence refractive index and surface wettability of resulting polymers, but these properties are formulation-dependent
The refractive index of 1.361 is a property of the TFEMA monomer rather than the resulting polymer. Poly(TFEMA) has an approximate homopolymer refractive index of 1.41 and a homopolymer glass transition temperature of approximately 80°C.
Application Tips
- Account for the 80–120 ppm MEHQ inhibitor level when establishing and comparing polymerization conditions
- Maintain consistent initiator concentration, temperature, oxygen control, and comonomer ratio when comparing polymerization results
- Evaluate copolymer composition directly when targeting surface wettability, glass transition temperature, or refractive-index behavior
- For optical-material research, measure the refractive index of the final polymer or formulation rather than using the monomer refractive index as the polymer value
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C
- Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources
- Handle with good laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses during handling
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
FAQ
Click a question to expand.
1. What is 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEMA) used for?
TFEMA is a fluorinated methacrylate monomer used in polymer and copolymer synthesis, including research involving low-refractive-index polymers, fluorinated coatings, and controlled polymerization.
2. Is TFEMA the same as 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl acrylate (TFEA)?
No. TFEMA and 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl acrylate (TFEA) are distinct monomers. TFEMA contains a methacrylate group and has CAS Number 352-87-4, while TFEA contains an acrylate group and has CAS Number 407-47-6.
3. What is the refractive index of TFEMA?
The TFEMA monomer has a refractive index of 1.361. This value is specific to the monomer and should not be interpreted as the refractive index of the resulting polymer. Poly(TFEMA) has an approximate homopolymer refractive index of 1.41.
4. Does TFEMA contain a polymerization inhibitor?
Yes. Cat. 02622 contains 80–120 ppm MEHQ inhibitor. The inhibitor level should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions.
5. What package size is available?
2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl methacrylate, Cat. 02622, is available in a 25 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl methacrylate is a flammable liquid and vapor that is harmful if inhaled and can cause skin and eye irritation. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, first-aid, transport, and disposal guidance.
