Trichloroacetic acid

Trichloroacetic acid (CAS 76-03-9), commonly abbreviated as TCA, is a strong chlorinated organic acid used across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial processing applications. It functions primarily as a protein precipitant and chemical denaturant. This chemical enables controlled tissue destruction, protein removal, and surface treatment in manufacturing workflows. In pharmaceutical and laboratory settings, TCA is used to precipitate proteins from biological samples for analysis.

It serves as a standard reagent in analytical and quality control procedures. The cosmetic industry applies it in controlled chemical peel formulations, where it removes damaged or keratinized skin layers at defined concentrations. Textile and leather processors use TCA as a chemical treatment agent to modify fiber surfaces and support dyeing or finishing operations. It also functions as a biocide and preservation agent in industrial formulations.

This versatile acid is essential where microbial control is required. Trichloroacetic acid is supplied as a crystalline solid or in aqueous solution at various concentrations, with high-concentration solutions common for industrial use. Established grades include pharmaceutical-grade and reagent-grade material meeting USP and BP specifications. Technical-grade material is available for industrial processing applications where pharmacopeial compliance is not required.