Chloracetic Acid

Description

Chloracetic Acid · CAS 79-11-8 · C2H3ClO2. UNII 5GD84Y125G. Boiling Point: 372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998); Boiling Point: 189.1 °C; Boiling Point: 187.00 to 190.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg.

Identification

CAS Registry Number	79-11-8
PubChem CID	300
Molecular formula	C2H3ClO2
IUPAC name	2-chloroacetic acid
UNII (FDA)	5GD84Y125G

Computed Descriptors

Molecular Weight	94.50
XLogP3	0.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count	1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count	2
Rotatable Bond Count	1
Exact Mass	93.9821570
Monoisotopic Mass	93.9821570
Topological Polar Surface Area	37.3
Heavy Atom Count	5
Formal Charge	0

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point	189.1 °C
Boiling Point	187.00 to 190.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point	189 °C
Boiling Point	189.3 °C @760 [mm Hg]
Melting Point	145 °F (EPA, 1998)
Melting Point	50-63 °C
Melting Point	52.5 °C
Melting Point	63 °C
Flash Point	302 °F (EPA, 1998)

Physical description & handling notes

• Chloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless to light-brown crystalline material. It is soluble in water and sinks in water. Combustible. It is transported as a molten liquid and therefore can cause thermal burns. It is toxic by ingestion, skin absorption and inhalation of dust. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.
• Chloroacetic acid, solution is a colorless solution of the white crystalline solid. The acid concentration can be up to 80%. It is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It is used as an herbicide, preservative and bacteriostat.
• Large Crystals; CBI; Dry Powder; Other Solid; Liquid
• Colorless, white, or light-brown crystals with a vinegar-like odor; [HSDB]
• Solid
• COLOURLESS HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

Regulatory Status

Regulatory & Food Contact	FDA Substance added to food: ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID--PROHIBITED WITH EXCEPTIONS CIR / INCI: Cosmetics ingredient -> Preservative/Stabilizer

GHS Hazard Classification

Reported hazard statements	H301, H311, H314, H331, H400, H318 (57.9%), H330 (42%), H335 (58.5%)

Documented Uses

• Chloroacetic acid is used in the manufacture of cellulose ethers (used mainly for drilling muds, detergents, food, and pharmaceuticals), as a post-emergence contact herbicide and defoliant, and in the manufacture of glycine and thioglycolic acid.
• Used as a herbicide, preservative, bacteriostat, and chemical intermediate; [HSDB]
• Most of the chloroacetic acid produced is used to manufacture several hundred thousand tons annually of carboxymethyl cellulose ... Another major application is the production of herbicides based on arylhydroxyacetic acids.
• Herbicide, preservative, bacteriostat, intermediate in production of carboxymethylcellulose; ethyl chloroacetate, glycine, synthetic caffeine, sarcosine, thioglycolic acid, EDTA, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T.
• Manufacturing various dyes and other organic chemicals. Preparation of metal derivatives.
• For more Uses (Complete) data for Chloroacetic acid (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Synonyms

chloroacetic acid; Monochloroacetic acid; 79-11-8; 2-chloroacetic acid; Chloracetic acid; Chloroethanoic acid; Acetic acid, chloro-; Acide chloracetique; Monochloroethanoic acid; Monochloracetic acid; Monochloorazijnzuur; Monochloressigsaeure; Acidomonocloroacetico; Acide monochloracetique; alpha-Chloroacetic acid; Acide chloroacetique

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CAS number and molecular formula of Chloracetic Acid?

CAS 79-11-8; molecular formula C2H3ClO2; molecular weight — g/mol.

What other names is Chloracetic Acid known by?

chloroacetic acid, Monochloroacetic acid, 79-11-8, 2-chloroacetic acid, Chloracetic acid, Chloroethanoic acid.

What is the regulatory status of Chloracetic Acid?

Documented regulatory listings: FDA Substance added to food: ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT; FDA Inventory of Food Contact Substances Listed in 21 CFR: FCS; MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID--PROHIBITED WITH EXCEPTIONS.

Is Chloracetic Acid classified as hazardous?

Hazard statements reported: H301, H311, H314, H331, H400.

What are the key physical properties of Chloracetic Acid?

Boiling Point: 372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998); Boiling Point: 189.1 °C; Boiling Point: 187.00 to 190.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg; Boiling Point: 189 °C.

Facts on this page are taken from PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) and Wikidata. Grade-specific data — assay, moisture, particle size, packaging, shelf life — is issued per batch on the COA and is not published here.