Substance profile
Dichloroacetic Acid
Dichloroacetic Acid is a liquid with a pungent odor.
01 · Identification
What Dichloroacetic Acid is
Dichloroacetic Acid is a liquid with a pungent odor. Its molecular formula is C2H2Cl2O2 and its molecular weight is 128.94 g/mol. It boils at 193 °C, melts at 12 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
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 |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P273, P280, P301, P310, P331, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dichloroacetic 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 | 193 °C (379.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 193.89 °C (381 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 194 °C (381.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 12 °C (53.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 9.72 °C (49.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 13.5 °C (56.3 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.56 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 1.5634 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.563 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with water | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol, diethyl ether; soluble in acetone; slightly soluble in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: miscible | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0.1425 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 0.179 mmHg | at 25 °C, extrapolated | HSDB | |
| 1 mmHg | at 43.89 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 113 °C (235.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| 112.78 °C (235 °F) | above this value | CAMEO | |
| Vapor density | 4.45 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 4.4 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.04 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Recognition odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Highly corrosive liquid that gives off acidic vapors. | HSDB | |
| Corrosive to metals and tissues | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dichloroacetic Acid
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong reducing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
DICHLOROACETIC ACID is probably hygroscopic. This chemical reacts with water or steam. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases and strong reducing agents. (NTP, 1992)
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dichloroacetic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →