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Fluoroacetic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H3FO2
CAS number
144-49-0
IUPAC name
2-fluoroacetate
State
State

At room temperature, fluoroacetic acid is typically solid. However, it can melt to form a liquid just slightly above room temperature, given its melting point is around 35°C.

Melting point (Celsius)
35.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
308.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
165.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
438.15
General information
Molecular weight
78.04g/mol
Molar mass
78.0390g/mol
Density
1.3710g/cm3
Appearence

Fluoroacetic acid appears as a colorless, odorless crystalline solid. It can also exist as a powder. Its appearance may vary slightly depending on its state and purity, but it is typically consistent with these characteristics when in a pure form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-fluoroacetate

2-fluoroacetate (C2H3FO2), also known as fluoroacetic acid, exhibits a unique solubility profile that can be intriguing from a chemical perspective. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of the fluorine atom significantly enhances the polarity of the molecule, which typically promotes solubility in polar solvents, especially water.
  • Water Solubility: 2-fluoroacetate is known to be soluble in water, making it useful in various biological and chemical applications.
  • Solvent Compatibility: This compound tends to be more soluble in organic solvents, such as alcohols and acetone, than in non-polar solvents. This can be attributed to its ability to engage in hydrogen bonding.
  • Temperature Effect: Solubility can also be influenced by temperature; generally, an increase in temperature allows for greater solubility in liquid media.

In summary, 2-fluoroacetate demonstrates considerable solubility in water and other polar solvents, making it a chemically versatile compound in various scientific applications. As the saying goes, “Like dissolves like," holds true here, illustrating the solvent-dependent behavior of this intriguing molecule.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Fluoroacetate

2-Fluoroacetate is a fascinating compound that belongs to the category of halogenated acetates, known for their diverse applications and unique chemical properties. Here are some noteworthy aspects of this compound:

  • Biological Significance: 2-Fluoroacetate is notable for its role as a metabolic poison, particularly in certain organisms. It disrupts the Krebs cycle by mimicking the natural metabolite acetyl-CoA, which can lead to metabolic disturbances.
  • Natural Occurrence: The compound is found in trace amounts in some plants, where it may serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores due to its toxicity upon ingestion.
  • Synthesis: Chemists can synthesize 2-fluoroacetate in the lab using various methods, often involving the fluorination of acetate precursors. This synthetic pathway highlights the significance of organofluorine chemistry in modern organic synthesis.
  • Applications in Research: 2-Fluoroacetate is used in biochemical studies to explore metabolic pathways and toxicological impacts. Researchers often employ it as a tool to better understand the mechanisms of cellular respiration.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many halogenated compounds, understanding the environmental fate of 2-fluoroacetate is crucial, especially in terms of its potential persistence and bioaccumulation in ecosystems.

Overall, 2-fluoroacetate exemplifies the complexities and dualities of chemical compounds, where utility and toxicity coexist, making it a subject of interest in both academic and applied chemistry.

Synonyms
Fluoroacetate
2-fluoroacetate
513-62-2
FCH2CO2 anion
Acetic acid, fluoro-, ion(1-)
Alpha-fluoroacetic acid
Cymoric acid
fluoroacetic acid, ion(1-)
CHEBI:18172
DTXSID10199297
QEWYKACRFQMRMB-UHFFFAOYSA-M
NCGC00178188-01
Q27102870