In chemistry, "TF" can stand for the triflyl group.
Triflyl Group Explained
The triflyl group has the chemical formula R−SO2CF3. It is important to distinguish this from the triflate group, which is represented by −OTf and has the formula R−OSO2CF3.
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Triflyl Group (-Tf): R−SO2CF3. This group is directly attached to a sulfur atom that is also bonded to two oxygen atoms and a carbon atom.
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Triflate Group (-OTf): R−O−SO2CF3. This group features an oxygen atom between the R group and the sulfonyl group. This is also known as trifluoromethanesulfonate.
Here's a table summarizing the difference:
| Group | Abbreviation | Formula | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triflyl | -Tf | R−SO2CF3 | R−S(=O)2−CF3 |
| Triflate | -OTf | R−OSO2CF3 | R−O−S(=O)2−CF3 |
Key Takeaway:
While both are related to trifluoromethanesulfonate, "TF" alone specifically refers to the triflyl group, where the sulfonyl group (SO2CF3) is directly attached to a carbon (R). The triflate group includes an additional oxygen between the R group and the sulfur atom.
