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Common name: Chloroacetic Acid
Chemical formula: C2H3ClO2
Appearance: White, crystalline solid or flakes, with a strong acidic odor
Primary uses: Raw material for carboxymethyl cellulose, herbicides, dyes, and pharmaceuticals
Other names: Monochloroacetic Acid
CAS number: 79-11-8
Classification: Corrosive to skin, severe eye damage, toxic if swallowed or inhaled
Hazard pictograms: Corrosive, acute toxicity
Acute effects: Burns on skin contact, respiratory distress, eye clouding or damage, nausea, possible death from large exposures
Chronic effects: Risk to kidneys, liver, nerves if exposure continues over time
Environmental risks: Harmful to aquatic organisms, persistent if released in large amounts
Active substance: Chloroacetic Acid, purity typically above 99%
Impurities: Trace amounts of dichloroacetic acid, water, possible hydrochloric acid traces
Physical form: Flakes or powder, soluble in water and alcohol
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately, keep person quiet, seek medical help without delay
Skin contact: Strip contaminated clothing, rinse affected area with large amounts of running water, seek emergency treatment
Eye contact: Rinse eyes under gentle water flow for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, call for medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not force vomiting, get medical assistance as soon as possible
General advice: Always take cases of chloroacetic acid exposure seriously, early medical help saves tissue and lives
Flammability: Not combustible itself, but decomposes releasing pungent, toxic gases (hydrogen chloride, phosgene)
Suitable extinguishing agents: Water spray, carbon dioxide, dry powder
Unsuitable agents: Avoid direct water jet due to splash risk
Protective gear: Use full chemical protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
Fire scene danger: Stay upwind, prevent runoff from mixing with drains or waterways
Personal precautions: Evacuate spill area, keep unprotected people away, use respiratory and skin protection
Spill cleanup: Scoop or vacuum solid carefully, avoid raising dust, secure containers, ventilate and wash area with plenty of water
Environmental controls: Block spill from entering soil, drains, or bodies of water
Waste disposal: Collect in sealed, label-approved containers for hazardous waste collection
Handling: Carry out work in fume hoods, use corrosion-resistant gloves, eye protection, lab coats, and high-efficiency respirators
Storage: Store in dry, tightly-sealed containers, choose cool, well-ventilated, locked rooms to limit unauthorized access
Incompatibilities: Keep away from oxidizers, strong bases, reducing agents, and moisture
Hygiene precautions: Wash exposed skin thoroughly after use, don’t eat or drink in work areas
Occupational exposure limits: Some countries have limits near 0.5 ppm (2 mg/m³) for dust and vapors
Engineering controls: Require chemical fume hoods, local air extraction, and closed systems for bulk storage
Personal protective equipment: Acid-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles or face shield, synthetic aprons, chemical-resistant footwear
Respiratory protection: Required for any exposure above recommended levels, or in unknown concentrations
Monitoring: Air sampling, routine health checks for exposed workers
State: Solid at room temperature
Color: White
Odor: Sharp, acidic
Melting point: Around 61°C
Boiling point: About 189°C (decomposes)
Solubility: High in water, alcohol, ether
pH: Strongly acidic in solution
Vapor density: 2.6 (air = 1)
Decomposition: Releases hazardous gases at high heat or on reaction with bases
Reactivity: Reacts violently with strong bases, can cause polymerization with certain agents
Stability: Stable under dry, cool, airtight storage
Conditions to avoid: Moisture, open flames, heating above 100°C
Hazardous byproducts: Hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, phosgene formed during decomposition or fire
Container materials: Use glass, polyethylene, or coated metals — never unlined steel or aluminum
Routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye splashes, swallowing
Acute toxicity: Skin burns and blistering at low concentrations, severe respiratory distress with inhalation, convulsions or shock after ingestion of enough material
Chronic effects: Kidney and liver stress after repeated exposures, possible nervous system impacts
Cancer risk: Not classified as carcinogenic by major regulatory agencies
Genetic mutation concerns: Some data points to DNA interaction, more evidence needed for conclusive connection
Aquatic toxicity: Harmful to fish, invertebrates, and plants in water at relatively low concentrations
Persistence: Breaks down slowly in soil and water, risk of groundwater movement in case of large spills
Bioaccumulation: Not known to build up significantly in animal tissues
Soil mobility: High; keeps moving downward after spills unless neutralized or absorbed
Degradability: Eventually breaks down but can cause lasting local changes to soil pH and wildlife
Waste disposal: Collect spill residues and contaminated gear, label and keep them in acid-resistant containers
Destruction methods: Professional chemical destruction (neutralization with lime or soda ash, incineration of washed solid residues)
Environmental care: Never pour into drains, soil, or surface water
Legal compliance: Follow national hazardous waste disposal laws — improper dumping can trigger large fines or criminal charges
Transport classification: Corrosive, hazardous material regulations apply for road, air, and sea
UN number: 1750
Packing group: II (medium danger)
Warning labels: Use “Corrosive” hazard stickers and UN-style drum labels
Special precautions: Heavily restrict movement by public roads without secure packaging and documented driver training
Global restrictions: Covered by chemical safety rules in almost every jurisdiction
Reporting requirements: Use and storage often require permits and notification to local authorities
Occupational health rules: Regular risk assessments, staff training, and medical monitoring mandated in many workplaces
Transport and storage: Hazard classification governs container types, labeling, and access
User responsibility: Facility managers, lab supervisors, and anyone handling chloroacetic acid must keep training current and safety plans on file
