Sodium chloroacetate

Sodium chloroacetate (CAS 3926-62-3), also sold as Monoxone and abbreviated SMCA, is the sodium salt form of chloroacetic acid used as a reactive intermediate and biocidal agent across chemical synthesis and industrial processing.

It serves as a key building block in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients, agrochemicals, and specialty surfactants. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, SMCA is used to synthesize carboxymethyl derivatives and API intermediates.

This is particularly important in the production of compounds requiring a chloroacetate alkylating step. Personal care formulators rely on it in the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and betaine-type surfactants.

These surfactants are commonly used in shampoos and skin cleansers. It functions as a selective herbicide intermediate in agrochemical synthesis, contributing to the manufacture of chloroacetic acid-based weed control actives.

Industrial buyers also source it as a biocidal agent for controlling microbial growth in specific process environments. Sodium chloroacetate is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granular solid for various applications.

Standard commercial grades include technical grade and pharmaceutical-grade material, with purity specifications typically ranging from 97% to 99%+. Packaging is available in bags and drums suited to bulk industrial procurement.