N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) – CAS 25561-30-2

N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide, commonly abbreviated as BSTFA, is a powerful silylation reagent widely used in analytical chemistry, particularly in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) applications. With the CAS number 25561-30-2, this compound plays a critical role in sample preparation for the analysis of various organic compounds.

What is BSTFA?

BSTFA (N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that belongs to the class of trifluoroacetamide derivatives. It is specifically designed for silylation reactions, where it transfers trimethylsilyl groups to analytes containing active hydrogen atoms (such as -OH, -NH, and -COOH groups).

The chemical formula of BSTFA is C8H18F3NO2Si2, and its molecular weight is 257.4 g/mol. This reagent is known for its high reactivity and efficiency in converting polar compounds into less volatile, more thermally stable derivatives suitable for GC analysis.

What Are the Benefits?

BSTFA offers numerous advantages that make it a preferred choice for silylation in analytical laboratories:

Enhanced Volatility

The primary benefit of BSTFA is its ability to convert polar functional groups into trimethylsilyl derivatives, significantly increasing the volatility of compounds. This transformation allows analytes that would otherwise be too non-volatile for gas chromatography to be effectively analyzed.

Improved Thermal Stability

Silylated compounds demonstrate enhanced thermal stability during GC analysis, reducing the risk of decomposition in the injection port or column.

Excellent Reactivity

BSTFA reacts rapidly and completely with a wide range of functional groups, including:

• Carboxylic acids
• Phenols
• Alcohols
• Amines
• Amides
• Ureas

Clean Derivatization

The reaction produces volatile by-products that do not interfere with the analysis, resulting in cleaner chromatograms and more accurate quantitation.

Compatibility with GC-MS

BSTFA-derivatized compounds are ideal for mass spectrometry detection, producing characteristic fragmentation patterns that aid in compound identification.

What Are the Uses?

BSTFA is primarily used in analytical chemistry laboratories for the following applications:

Steroid Hormone Analysis

BSTFA, often used in combination with trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS), is extensively employed in the GC-MS determination of natural and synthetic estrogenic steroids, including estrone (E1), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and other hormonal compounds.

Environmental Analysis

In environmental chemistry, BSTFA is used for the derivatization of:

• Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
• Phenolic compounds
• Pesticide metabolites
• Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Pharmaceutical Analysis

The pharmaceutical industry utilizes BSTFA for:

• Drug metabolite profiling
• Stability testing
• Quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients

Food Analysis

BSTFA helps in analyzing:

• Fatty acids
• Sterols
• Food additives
• Contaminants

Clinical Diagnostics

In clinical laboratories, BSTFA is applied for:

• Metabolite identification
• Biomarker analysis
• Toxicology screening

Safety and Handling

While BSTFA is a valuable analytical reagent, appropriate safety precautions should be observed:

Precautions

• Handle in a well-ventilated fume hood
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and safety goggles
• Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture

Potential Hazards

• May release toxic fumes when heated
• Moisture-sensitive compound
• Irritant to respiratory system and skin

Storage

Store BSTFA at 2-8°C in tightly sealed containers. Allow the reagent to reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture condensation.

Chemical Specifications

CAS Number	25561-30-2
Molecular Formula	C8H18F3NO2Si2
Molecular Weight	257.4 g/mol
Purity	≥99%
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point	140-145°C (with decomposition)
Density	0.95 g/mL at 25°C
Solubility	Soluble in acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and pyridine

Why Choose Our BSTFA?

When sourcing BSTFA for your analytical needs, consider these key factors:

Quality Assurance

Our BSTFA undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure:

• Consistent purity levels
• Low moisture content
• Optimal reactivity for derivatization

Technical Support

We provide:

• Technical data sheets
• Method development support
• Application guidance for various analytical scenarios

Reliable Supply

With a stable manufacturing process, we ensure:

• Consistent product availability
• Competitive pricing
• Flexible order quantities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between BSTFA and MSTFA?

BSTFA (N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) contains two trimethylsilyl groups, while MSTFA (N-Methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide) contains one. BSTFA is generally more reactive and produces derivatives with higher thermal stability.

Do I need to add a catalyst for BSTFA derivatization?

BSTFA can be used alone, but adding 1% TMCS (trimethylchlorosilane) as a catalyst enhances the reaction efficiency, particularly for less reactive compounds.

What temperature is used for BSTFA derivatization?

Typical derivatization conditions range from 60-80°C for 30-60 minutes. Specific conditions may vary depending on the target analytes.

Is BSTFA moisture-sensitive?

Yes, BSTFA is highly moisture-sensitive and should be stored in a desiccator or airtight container. Moisture can degrade the reagent and reduce its effectiveness.

Can BSTFA be used with polar solvents?

BSTFA is compatible with aprotic polar solvents such as acetonitrile, pyridine, and ethyl acetate. Avoid using protic solvents that contain active hydrogen atoms.

Related Products

If you’re working with BSTFA, you may also be interested in these related chemical reagents:

• MSTFA (N-Methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide)
• TMCS (Trimethylchlorosilane)
• Silylation Reagent Kits
• GC-MS Standards

Keywords: BSTFA, N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide, CAS 25561-30-2, silylation reagent, GC-MS derivatization, analytical chemistry, steroid analysis, environmental testing