Trimethylsilyl triflate

Trimethylsilyl triflate (CAS 27607-77-8), commonly abbreviated as TMSOTf, is a highly reactive silylating agent used in synthetic chemistry and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Where is Trimethylsilyl triflate used?

• Pharmaceutical and fine chemical synthesis: installs TMS-protecting groups on alcohols and amines
• API manufacturing: utilized for carbonyl compounds during multi-step processes
• Carbohydrate chemistry: activates glycosyl donors in oligosaccharide and glycoconjugate synthesis
• Polymer and materials chemistry: initiates cationic polymerization and surface silylation
• Personal care: synthesis of silicone-modified actives and surface-treated powders
• It transfers trimethylsilyl groups to nucleophilic substrates under mild conditions.

Good to know: Enables selective protection and activation steps that less reactive silylating agents cannot achieve efficiently; particularly useful where conventional silylation routes are too slow or lack the necessary selectivity.

Commercial specifications

• Purity of at least 98 percent for industrial use
• Neat standard commercial concentrations
• Anhydrous solvent solutions available
• Moisture-sealed packaging to preserve reactivity