Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid Cf3So2Oh

a colorless liquid that is readily soluble in water. Boiling point, 162°C. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is stronger than sulfuric or even perchloric acid. It forms salts and esters (for example, its methyl ester, CF₃SO₂OCH₃, a colorless liquid, has a boiling point of 74°C). It is obtained by the electrochemical fluorination of meth-anesulfonyl chloride, CH₃SO₂C1 (or methanesulfonyl fluoride), in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride or by the reaction of carbon disulfide with mercuric fluoride:

Several derivatives of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid may be used as herbicides and pharmaceuticals.