--- type: "WebPage" title: "Laboratory analysis of TFA (CAS 76-05-1) and PFAS" description: "You would like to check the presence of TFA in your samples What is TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid)? TFA: an ultra-short-chain PFAS Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, CAS 76-05-1) is a highly persistent and mobile PFAS. Produced through industrial processes or the degradation..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/analysis-per-and-polyfluoroalkylated-substances-pfas/tfa-laboratory-analysis/" tags: ["EN", "pll_68cbfb4f60db3", "Anaïs DECAUX"] timestamp: "2026-02-02T16:24:40Z" published: "2025-09-18T13:00:54Z" language: "en" author: "Laure Durieux" --- # Laboratory analysis of TFA (CAS 76-05-1) and PFAS ### You would like to check the presence of TFA in your samples ## What is TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid)? ### TFA: an ultra-short-chain PFAS Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, CAS 76-05-1) is a highly persistent and mobile PFAS. Produced through industrial processes or the degradation of fluorinated compounds, it is subject to increased monitoring by manufacturers. Our laboratory performs analyses to meet your diverse needs and help you manage its presence and meet your regulatory obligations. With its 5,200 m² analytical facility, Filab can detect TFA and other PFAS in various matrices. ### PFAS, where are we in the regulations? #### Thursday, February 20, 2025 On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the **National Assembly adopted a bill aimed at better [regulating](https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/16/dossiers/proteger_population_risques_pfas) the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)**. Known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in living organisms, these “eternal pollutants” are present in many everyday objects. **The bill provides for a ban on the manufacture, importation, and sale of any cosmetic product, clothing textile, or ski wax containing PFAS** starting January 1, 2026. ## Check for the possible presence of TFA in your peptide ingredients In the cosmetics industry, ensuring the purity of active ingredients has become a top priority, particularly for [peptides](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/biopharmaceutical/biotherapeutic-recombinant-protein-characterization/peptide-analysis-biopharmaceutical-services.md). **Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)** is a near-universal synthetic residue, as it is essential as a cleavage agent during the production of peptide chains. However, once its function is fulfilled, it becomes an undesirable impurity. Today, the regulatory framework is becoming stricter: the European Chemicals Agency ([ECHA](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-reach-analysis/reach-analysis-at-echa-in-the-laboratory.md)) is proposing to classify TFA as a**reprotoxic substance (CMR 1B)**. If this classification is approved, its use will be strictly prohibited in finished products according to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. As a "perennial pollutant" (PFAS), its presence threatens not only consumer safety but also manufacturers' brand image. In a market where peptides are the stars of anti-aging and skin repair, it is now imperative to guarantee and demonstrate the absence of TFA to maintain the trust and compliance of your formulations. ## The FILAB laboratory supports you in the analysis of TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid) ## Our techniques for the analysis of TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid) [### GC-MS/MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gc-msms-analysis-laboratory.md) [### GC-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gcms.md) ## Our analysis services Dosage of pure TFA Purity and[impurity analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-detection-identification-impurities.md) Regulatory control (ICH Q3C) [Method development (in particular according to ICH Q14)](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analytical-method-validation/analytical-validation-according-to-ich-q14-in-the-laboratory.md) Detection of residual TFA in a product [Stability studies](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/stability-testing-medications-and-active-ingredients.md) [Validation of analytical methods](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analytical-method-validation/validation-of-analysis-and-dosage-methods-in-the-laboratory.md) [PFAS analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/analysis-per-and-polyfluoroalkylated-substances-pfas/) ### Why choose FILAB for TFA analysis? FILAB, an analytical expertise laboratory, offers TFA (Trifluoroacetic Acid - CAS 76-05-1) ) analysis services using [cutting-edge techniques](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md) adapted to industrial constraints and regulatory requirements. Our experts assist you in interpreting results and optimizing your formulations. Thanks to our expertise in analysis, appraisal, and [R&D](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd.md), we help you solve your specific problems and guarantee the quality of your products. ## FAQ What is TFA? TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) is a strong organic acid widely used in organic chemistry, peptide synthesis, and HPLC purification. Its residual presence in a product can pose safety and regulatory compliance issues. Why analyze TFA? TFA analysis allows the purity of products to be verified, solvent residues to be controlled in accordance with ICH Q3C guidelines, and regulatory dossiers (pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biotechnological) to be secured. What types of products must be checked for TFA? Synthetic peptides, recombinant proteins, cosmetic ingredients, pharmaceutical formulations and certain laboratory solvents are affected. What analytical techniques are used to measure TFA? The most common methods are ion chromatography, HPLC (UV or MS), LC-MS and GC-MS (after derivatization). Are there any regulatory standards or limits for TFA? Yes, TFA is considered a residual solvent and must be controlled according to **ICH Q3C** recommendations. Acceptable thresholds depend on the solvent classification and the type of final product. Which industries are affected by the TFA analysis? Mainly the **pharmaceutical** industry (quality control and registration), **cosmetics** (ingredient safety) and **biotechnologies** (peptides, proteins, enzymes).