Trichloroethyl chloroformate is used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the trichloroethoxycarbonyl (Troc) protecting group for amines, thiols and alcohols. It readily cleaves in the presence of other carbamates.
The Troc group is traditionally removed via Zn insertion in the presence of acetic acid, resulting in elimination and decarboxylation.
The 2,2,2-Trichloroethoxycarbonyl (Troc) group is largely used as a protecting group for amines in organic synthesis.