Quantification of the H‑Bond-Donating Ability of Trifluoromethyl Ketone Hydrates Using a Colorimetric Sensor

Trifluoromethyl
ketones (TFMKs) readily form stable hydrates and
hemiketals in solution, allowing them to interact with biomolecules
as hydrogen-bond donors. This interaction is governed by both the
hydration equilibrium and the intrinsic hydrogen-bonding strength
for a given compound. The hydrogen-bond-donating abilities for aryl,
heterocyclic, and alkyl TFMKs were experimentally determined by using
UV–vis titrations with a colorimetric sensor. Values were also
adjusted based on the percent hydrate present in solution to provide
insight into the hydrogen-bond-donating ability of the hydrate species.