C

Chloroacetic acid

IUPAC: 2-chloroacetic acid

C2H3ClO2 Acids CAS 79-11-8
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Formula / NotationC2H3ClO2
CAS Number79-11-8
Molecular Weight94.50
Melting Point145 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.4043 at 104 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceChloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless to light-brown crystalline material. It is soluble in water and sinks in water. Combustible. It is transported as a molten liquid and therefore can cause the...
Also Known As2-chloroacetic acid; Monochloroacetic acid; 79-11-8; Chloracetic acid; Chloroethanoic acid; Acetic acid, chloro-; Acide chloracetique; Monochloroethanoic acid; Monochloracetic acid; Monochloorazijnzuur
CategoryAcids

What is Chloroacetic acid?

Chloroacetic acid is a chlorocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid carrying a 2-chloro substituent. It has a role as an alkylating agent and a herbicide. It is a haloacetic acid and a chlorocarboxylic acid. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a chloroacetate.

Formula & Notation

C2H3ClO2

IUPAC Name: 2-chloroacetic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-chloroacetic acid; Monochloroacetic acid; 79-11-8; Chloracetic acid; Chloroethanoic acid; Acetic acid, chloro-; Acide chloracetique; Monochloroethanoic acid; Monochloracetic acid; Monochloorazijnzuur

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Chloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless to light-brown crystalline material. It is soluble in water and sinks in water. Combustible. It is transported as a molten liquid and therefore can cause the.... Molecular formula: C2H3ClO2. Molecular weight: 94.50 g/mol. Boiling point: 372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998). Melting point: 145 °F (EPA, 1998). Density: 1.4043 at 104 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 109.4 °F (EPA, 1998). LogP: 0.2.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point145 °F (EPA, 1998)
Boiling Point372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998)
Density1.4043 at 104 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight94.50
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceChloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless to light-brown crystalline material. It is soluble in water and sinks in water. Combustible. It is transported as a molten liquid and therefore can cause the...

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Chloroacetic acid
Formula C2H3ClO2
CAS Number 79-11-8
Molecular Weight 94.50
Category Acids
Synonyms 2-chloroacetic acid; Monochloroacetic acid; 79-11-8; Chloracetic acid; Chloroethanoic acid; Acetic acid, chloro-; Acide chloracetique; Monochloroethanoic acid; Monochloracetic acid; Monochloorazijnzuur

Frequently Asked Questions

Chloroacetic acid is a chlorocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid carrying a 2-chloro substituent. It has a role as an alkylating agent and a herbicide. It is a haloacetic acid and a chlorocarboxylic acid. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a chloroacetate.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.