Chloroacetic Acid Formula

Chloroacetic Acid Formula

This article discusses the Chloroacetic Acid Formula, also known as the Monochloroacetic Acid Formula or the Chloroethanoic Acid Formula. A compound containing organochlorines, it is considered an effective building block. In chemical terms, Chloroacetic Acid Formula has the molecular formula C2H3ClO2. In addition to 2-chloroacetic acid, 2-chloroethanoic acid is another name for chloroacetic acid.

Chloroacetic acid Formula Structure

It appears as colourless to light-brown crystals in solid form. In water, it sinks as well as dissolves. Aqueous solutions of this compound appear colourless. It is possible to have an acid concentration of around 80%. Herbicide, bacteriostat, and preservative, it is widely used in agriculture. In 1843, French chemist Félix LeBlanc (1813–1886) prepared chloroacetic acid by chlorinating acetic acid in the presence of sunlight. Reinhold Hoffmann (1831–1919), a German chemist, first synthesised chloroacetyl chloride (ClCH 2 COCl) by refluxing glacial acetic acid with chlorine in sunlight in 1857 (in pure form); later, Charles Adolphe Wurtz synthesized it by hydrolyzing chloroacetyl chloride (ClCH 2 COCl) in 1857. Two routes are available for the industrial production of chloroacetic acid. With the aid of acetic anhydride, chlorination of acetic acid is the most common method. Distillation makes it difficult to separate dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid produced by this route.

In the second method, trichloroethylene is hydrolysed. In a concentrated solution of sulphuric acid (at least 75%), the hydrolysis is carried out at 130–140 °C. Unlike the product obtained through halogenation, the product produced by this method is highly pure. Halogenation has become increasingly popular due to the significant amounts of HCl released. Steel production worldwide amounts to approximately 420,000 tonnes per year.

Properties Of Chloroacetic acid Formula

As a result of the high reactivity of the C–Cl bond, most reactions take advantage of it. The thickening agents carboxymethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl starch are prepared with chloroacetic acid on a large scale. As well as phenoxy herbicides, Chloroacetic Acid Formula is used in the etherification of chlorophenols to produce chloroacetic acid. Through this process, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and MCPA are produced. Among other things, it is a precursor to the herbicides glyphosate and dimethoate. A precursor to adrenaline (epinephrine) is formed when Chloroacetic Acid Formula is converted into chloroacetyl chloride. Sulphur replaces chloride to produce thioglycolic acid, which is used as a stabilizer in PVC and as a cosmetic ingredient.

Safety Measures.

• The Chloroacetic Acid Formula is toxic and corrosive to metals and tissues.

• Ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin are all harmful.

• Thermal burns can result from it.

• The material is combustible.