Substance profile
TCA (ISO)
TCA (ISO) is a colorless to white, crystalline solid with a slight characteristic odor.
01 · Identification
What TCA (ISO) is
TCA (ISO) is a colorless to white, crystalline solid with a slight characteristic odor. Its molecular formula is C2HCl3O2 and its molecular weight is 163.38 g/mol. It boils at 196 °C, melts at 57.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for TCA (ISO)
- trichloroacetic acid
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. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P273, P280, P301, P310, P331, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
TCA (ISO) 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 | 195.5 °C (383.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 197.78 °C (388 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 198 °C (388.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Melting point | 57.5 °C (135.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| 57.78 °C (136 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 58 °C (136.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.63 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.62 g/cm³ | NIOSH | ||
| 1.62 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Sol in 0.1 part water; very sol in alcohol, ether | HSDB | |
| Sol in ethanol, ethyl ether; slightly sol in carbon tetrachloride | HSDB | ||
| The acid has a solubility in water at 25 °C of 1,000 g/100 ml; it is soluble in ethanol and diethyl ether. | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.06 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 1 mmHg | at 51 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9976 mmHg | at 51 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 110 °C (230 °F) | above this value | CAMEO |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid | NIOSH | |
| Vapor density | 5.6 (air = 1) | CAMEO | |
| Odor threshold | Odor Threshold Low: 0.24 [ppm] | Haz-Map | |
| Odor Threshold High: 0.37 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Recognition odor threshold from CHEMINFO | Haz-Map | ||
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to iron, zinc, and aluminum. | HSDB | |
| Extremely corrosive to skin on prolonged contact | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling TCA (ISO)
Storage conditions
IN GENERAL, MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS ... SHOULD BE STORED IN A COOL, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF ... SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD, AND SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED & MONITORED. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS SHOULD BE ISOLATED FROM EACH OTHER.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
/Trichloroacetic acid/ was added to copper wool and rinsed down with dimethyl sulfoxide. Within 20 seconds, the contents of the flask were ejected and the neck was distorted by intense heat.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID is a strong acid; when heated, in the presence of water, decomposes forming phosgene and HCl. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 915]. The acid was added to copper wool and rinsed down with dimethyl sulfoxide. This caused what was thought to be an extremely exothermic dehydrohalogenation reaction that melted the neck of the flask, [Chem. Eng. News, 1981, 59(28), 4].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check TCA (ISO) in the storage compatibility matrix →