Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a compound with a tongue-twisting name, plays a critical role in peptide chemistry. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just curious about the science behind peptides, let’s dive into the world of TFA and explore its significance.
What Is TFA?
TFA (chemical formula: CF₃COOH) consists of three fluorine atoms attached to a central carbon atom. It’s a strong organic acid with unique properties.
Peptide Synthesis:
TFA is commonly used during solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). In SPPS, peptides are assembled step by step on a solid support (resin). When the peptide chain is complete, TFA is applied to release the peptide from the resin. Think of it as the “unlock” button that frees the peptide from its molecular prison.
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