Application
Ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate serves as a highly effective ethylating agent due to the potent electron-withdrawing properties of the trifluoromethanesulfonyl group, which grants it significantly higher reactivity compared to traditional alkylation reagents like bichloride or alkyl sulfonate. It is widely utilized as a cationic polymerization agent in the production of synthetic resins such as polyurethane and polyacrylate. Additionally, it plays a valuable role in medical treatments, demonstrating efficacy against HIV infection and chronic bronchitis. In vitro studies have revealed its capability to inhibit the replication of the HIV-1 virus at concentrations as low as 1 μM, although the precise mechanism behind its anti-HIV effects, potentially involving the inhibition of reverse transcriptase or proteases, remains undetermined. After administration, ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate can be detected in the body for up to 4 hours, eventually being metabolized into trifluoroacetic acid through the action of esterases, glycosidases, and/or oxidases.