Chloroacetic acid

Chloroacetic acid (CAS 79-11-8), also sold as monochloroacetic acid (MCA), is a halogenated organic acid used as a high-reactivity chemical intermediate.

Where is Chloroacetic acid used?

• Agrochemicals: building block for herbicide active ingredients including glyphosate and 2,4-D
• Agrochemicals: chloroacetamide-class compounds
• Pharmaceuticals: carboxymethyl-substituted APIs and intermediates, including amino acid derivatives
• Textile and paper: production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a thickening and binding agent in coatings, adhesives and sizing formulations
• Surfactants, dyes and thioglycolic acid for leather processing: precursor
• It acts as an alkylating and carboxymethylating agent in the synthesis of downstream derivatives.

Good to know: Standard commercial grades include technical grade and pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP or BP specifications.

Commercial specifications

• Purity levels typically range from 98% to 99.5%+
• Monomer-grade and synthesis-grade options