Substance profile
Chloroacetic Acid
Chloroacetic Acid is monoclinic prisms with a strong vinegar-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Chloroacetic Acid is
Chloroacetic Acid is monoclinic prisms with a strong vinegar-like odor. Its molecular formula is C2H3ClO2 and its molecular weight is 94.5 g/mol. It boils at 189 °C, melts at 63 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H311 | Toxic in contact with skin. |
| H301 | Toxic if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301, P302, P304, P310, P330, P331, P352, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Chloroacetic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 189.1 °C (372.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 188.89 °C (372 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 189 °C (372.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 63 °C (145.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 62.78 °C (145 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 1.328 g/cm³ | CAMEO | |
| 1.58 g/cm³ | at 20 °C, solid | HSDB | |
| 1.58 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, chloroform; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | |
| ... good solubility in methanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and ethanol, but is only sparingly soluble in hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons. | HSDB | ||
| In water, 8.58X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.065 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1 mmHg | at 43 °C | CAMEO | |
| 7.5 mmHg | at 78.4 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Flash point | 126.11 °C (259 °F) | HSDB | |
| 150 °C (302 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 470 °C (878 °F) | ICSC | |
| 500 °C (932 °F) | above this value | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 3.26 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.3 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.01 ppm, 0.042 mg/cu m | HSDB | |
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.04 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Odor Threshold High: 6.14 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 412.85 °C (775.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | ...extremely corrosive and will cause serious chemical burns. | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Chloroacetic Acid
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Chloroacetic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →