Calcium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonate), also known as calcium triflate, sits somewhere between the everyday and the high-tech world of specialty chemicals. This compound, with the molecular formula Ca(CF3SO3)2, features two trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) groups attached to a central calcium ion. Behind this mouthful of a name, it looks like a white crystalline solid or sometimes as off-white flakes or powder, depending on how it's made or processed. The density lands around 2.1 g/cm3, giving it a pretty solid, compact form. Its melting point registers well above the boiling point of water, showing strong thermal stability. Most folks see it as a dry solid, but it can show up in the lab as a powder, in larger flakes, or even dissolved as a clear, colorless solution for certain uses.
Looking closely, calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) reveals a strong ionic structure: the calcium cation sits balanced between two large, highly electronegative triflate anions. That unique shape makes it highly soluble in polar solvents like acetonitrile and water, which matters for anyone needing it for industrial electrolytes or organic synthesis. This chemical doesn’t give off a strong odor, doesn’t readily evaporate into the air, and stands up well under normal storage conditions, which keeps it from falling apart before it reaches a customer. Specifications offered by suppliers usually call for a minimum purity above 98%, a water content below 0.5%, and minimal trace metals, since any contamination could cause big headaches in sensitive applications. Its HS Code customarily lists as 2833199000, which helps with global shipments and regulatory compliance, guiding customs checks or tariffs across regions.
This material covers different formats—powder for rapid dissolution, flakes for easy handling, and even pearl forms for low-dust transfers in larger facilities. Sometimes, a manufacturer will dissolve it into a solution that matches a series of process requirements from research labs up to specialty electronics. The crystal structure of calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) forms a lattice with large gaps between the triflate groups—this allows ions to move easily, which is a big reason for its use in electrolytes for batteries or capacitors. As an anhydrous solid, it sometimes absorbs moisture if left exposed, but anyone working with it will typically keep it sealed and dry to stop clumping or unwanted reactivity.
With the molecular weight landing at about 398.3 g/mol, this compound balances heft with manageable handling. The three fluorine atoms on each sulfonate group make it one of the most electronegative salts around; that means strong resistance to oxidation, and outstanding inertness, even in tough chemical settings like those found in catalysis or advanced organic synthesis. For lithium- and calcium-based rechargeable batteries, chemists turn to calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) because it brings high ionic conductivity without breaking down over time—something you just don’t get with less specialized salts. Electrochemical stability and high solubility support industrial polymerization, specialty cleaning, or moisture-tolerant synthetic processes.
On the safety side, the international GHS system classifies this compound as irritating to eyes and skin, so gloves and goggles matter when working with it. Breathing in fine dust can bother the lungs, something I've seen happen in crowded storerooms; professional environments need good ventilation and dust collection, and storage should always be in a tightly sealed container, kept away from strong bases, acids, or anything reactive with fluorinated compounds. Though not acutely toxic in small amounts, calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) requires a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to warn about best practices and first aid. Handling waste and spills means using non-reactive tools, and sources recommend plenty of water to dilute residues, preventing local harm. The main raw materials for its manufacture usually begin with calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, combined with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in controlled environments. The process demands strong corrosion resistance in equipment, as both product and precursor chemicals attack standard metals quickly.
Across the chemical industry, calcium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) shows up as a hidden backbone in areas like non-aqueous electrochemistry, fuel cells, and even as a catalyst in certain carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions. Tech companies eye it for new battery advances, counting on its safe handling protocols and low volatility to allow for easier scaling compared to older options. The push for higher-purity, more sustainably sourced raw materials keeps growing; these improvements boost battery lifespans, reduce hazardous byproducts, and lower health risks in the workplace. Manufacturers keep refining the ways they handle, transport, and safely recycle this salt, building trust with users and consumers who care about responsible chemical management as much as technical performance. Directing attention to better labeling, clearer hazard communication, and tighter storage practices can limit risks and open new doors for this specialized but essential compound.
