Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is a colorless, crystalline solid with a pungent odor. It's used in many industrial processes, including the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and herbicides. Properties Chemical formula: C2H3ClO2, Molar mass: 94.5 g/mol, Boiling point: 189.3 °C, Density: 1.58 g/cm³, and Highly soluble in water and organic solvents.
Uses
- Production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
- Production of agrochemicals, surfactants, and other chemical building blocks
- Production of herbicides, thioglycolic acid, and other organic chemicals
- Production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, flavors, and cosmetics
Health effects
- Contact with diluted solutions can cause eye and skin irritation
- Contact with more concentrated solutions can cause skin corrosion and conjunctival burns
- Breathing in monochloroacetic acid can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs
- Exposure can cause anxiety, restlessness, blurred vision, and other symptoms
Production
- Produced by chlorinating acetic acid or sulfuric acid
- Produced by mixing chlorinated acetic acid or sulfuric acid with sodium chloroacetate
Sodium monochloroacetate (SMCA) is a white, crystalline powder that is used in many industries. It is also known as sodium chloroacetate or sodium 2-chloroacetate.
Properties
- Toxic, corrosive, and hygroscopic
- Soluble in water
- Has a slight odor
- Has a chemical formula of C2H2ClNaO2
- Has a molar mass of 116.48 g/mol