T

Trichloroacetic acid

IUPAC: 2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid

C2HCl3O2 Acids CAS 76-03-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2HCl3O2
CAS Number76-03-9
Molecular Weight163.38
Melting Point135 to 136 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point385 to 387 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.62 at 77 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTrichloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless crystalline solid. It absorbs moisture from air and forms a syrup. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.
Also Known As2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid; 76-03-9; Aceto-caustin; Acetic acid, trichloro-; Trichloroethanoic acid; Trichloracetic acid; Konesta; Trichloressigsaeure; Trichloroacetate; Amchem grass killer
CategoryAcids

What is Trichloroacetic acid?

Trichloroacetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid in which all three methyl hydrogens are substituted by chlorine. It has a role as a metabolite, a carcinogenic agent and a mouse metabolite. It is a monocarboxylic acid and an organochlorine compound. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a trichloroacetate.

Formula & Notation

C2HCl3O2

IUPAC Name: 2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid; 76-03-9; Aceto-caustin; Acetic acid, trichloro-; Trichloroethanoic acid; Trichloracetic acid; Konesta; Trichloressigsaeure; Trichloroacetate; Amchem grass killer

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Trichloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless crystalline solid. It absorbs moisture from air and forms a syrup. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.. Molecular formula: C2HCl3O2. Molecular weight: 163.38 g/mol. Boiling point: 385 to 387 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 135 to 136 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.62 at 77 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 123.8 °F ; 5 mmHg at 168.8 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 1.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point135 to 136 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point385 to 387 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.62 at 77 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight163.38
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTrichloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless crystalline solid. It absorbs moisture from air and forms a syrup. It is soluble in water with release of heat. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.

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 Trichloroacetic acid
Formula C2HCl3O2
CAS Number 76-03-9
Molecular Weight 163.38
Category Acids
Synonyms 2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid; 76-03-9; Aceto-caustin; Acetic acid, trichloro-; Trichloroethanoic acid; Trichloracetic acid; Konesta; Trichloressigsaeure; Trichloroacetate; Amchem grass killer

Frequently Asked Questions

Trichloroacetic acid is a monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid in which all three methyl hydrogens are substituted by chlorine. It has a role as a metabolite, a carcinogenic agent and a mouse metabolite. It is a monocarboxylic acid and an organochlorine compound. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a trichloroacetate.

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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.