Monochloroacetic Acid(MCA)

What is Monochloroacetic Acid?

Industrially, Chloroacetic acid is known as monochloroacetic acid(MCA) which is an organochlorine compound. It is a chlorocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid that carries 2 chloro substituents. It is also a haloacetic acid. MCA is a conjugate acid of chloroacetate.

Production 

The Production of monochloroacetic acid is formed from the reaction between chlorine gas (Cl2) and acetic acid(CH3COOH) and has phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) as a catalyst.

Chemical data of Monochloroacetic acid(MCA)

• IUPAC’s name is Chloroacetic acid
• The systematic IUPAC name is Chloroethanoic acid 
• Its chemical formula is C2H3ClO2
• Its molecular weight is 94.50
• The melting point of MCA is 63°C
• The boiling point is 189°C 
• The specific gravity is 1.37
• Its settings point is 61°C to 62.5°C
• PubChem CID of MCA is 300

Properties

Physical properties

It is colorless

Hygroscopic crystals

Pungent odor

The vapor is heavier than air.

Decomposes on burning

Attacks metals.

MCA Produces toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride and phosgene

This generates toxic, fire, and explosion hazards. 

MCA produces toxic and flammable gases

This chemical reacts with bases, oxidizing substances, and reducing agents

Chemical Properties

• Colorless or maybe white crystalline solid
• Highly hygroscopic
• Sharp odor
• Inflammable
• Soluble in water
• Organic solvent
• Uses
• MCA is used in the industrial production of carboxymethyl-cellulose, herbicides
• MCA is used in the production of thioglycolic acid 
• It is used in the production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, flavors, cosmetics, and other organic chemicals.
• It is used to prepare the thickening agent carboxymethyl starch.
• MCA is used in the production of amphoteric surfactants

Safety

• It can affect you when breathed in so wear a mask while working with it
• MCA is a corrosive chemical and if it comes in contact with skin it can severely irritate and burn the skin so the usage of safety gloves is recommended 
• monochloroacetic acid can possibly damage the eyes so the usage of safety glasses is recommended
• Exposure to this chemical can cause a feeling of anxiety discomfort tiredness blurred vision which can lead to concussion and even death
• Breathing MCA can cause coughing shortness of breath and wheezing