Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA)

Additional Details

MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID (MCA) (ClCH₂CO₂H) is a colorless or white crystalline solid, highly hygroscopic, sharp odor, inflammable, soluble in water and common organic solvent.

MCA is organochlorine compound is a useful building-block in organic synthesis.

SYNONYMS: Chloroacetic acid, Chloroethanoic acid, Monochloroethanoic acid, MCAA, MCA.

IUPAC NAME:  Chloroacetic acid

SYSTEMATIC IUPAC NAME:  Chloroethanoic acid

CAS REGISTRY NUMBER: 79-11-8 

EC NUMBER: 201-178-4

UN NUMBER: 1751

CHEMICAL FORMULA: C₂H₃ClO₂

Technical Specifications

PROPERTIES

SPECIFICATIONS

Applications

APPLICATIONS

Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) is use in the production of a wide variety of useful compounds such as drugs, dyes, agrochemicals and thickening agents. Most reactions take advantage of the high reactivity of the C–Cl bond.

Applications are in Manufacturing of

1) Various Agrochemicals viz 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid), Glyphosate and Dimethoate are prepared by alkylation with MCAA.

2) Drugs such as Adrenaline (Epinephrine), Vitamins, Synthetic Caffeine, Malonates, Glycine, Barbiturates etc.

3) Amphoteric Surfactants which used in shampoos, baby and children cleansing formulations, shower and bath gels, body and facial washes and shaving foam,  also in skin care products like cleansing milks or eye-make up removers.

4) Glycolic acid (Hydroxyacetic Acid), Thioglycolic Acid and Cyanoacetic Acid.

5) Textile Auxiliaries & Dyestuffs (Indigo).

6) Hydrocolloids such as Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC), Sodium Carboxy Methyl Starch (CMS), Sodium Carboxy Methyl Tamarind (CMT), Sodium Carboxy Methyl Guar Gum (CMG).