Monochloro acetic acid

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