Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) is a colorless liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It is a fluorinated carboxylic acid, meaning it contains three fluorine atoms attached to a carbon chain. TFA is commonly used as a solvent in organic chemistry and as a reagent in various chemical reactions, particularly in peptide synthesis. TFA is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents, making it versatile in laboratory settings. Due to its strong acidity, it can effectively protonate bases and is often used to remove protecting groups in organic synthesis. Safety precautions are necessary when handling TFA, as it can be corrosive and harmful if inhaled or ingested.