Ingredient Dictionary

CHLOROACETIC ACID

Chloroacetic acid is a chlorocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid carrying a 2-chloro substituent.

Definition

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.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII 5GD84Y125G · registered name Chloroacetic Acid · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Softens and loosens the outer layerKERATOLYTIC

Safety & regulatory references

Korea’s toxic-substance GHS classification: Danger · H311 (category 3) · H400 (category 1) · H301 (category 3) · +2 more

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name クロロ酢酸: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機化合物である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

CHLOROACETIC ACIDINCI클로로아세틱애씨드Korean label name (MFDS standard)Acetic acid, chloro-Synonymクロロ酢酸Japanese labelling name

CAS No.chemical registry number: 79-11-8
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 201-178-4
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID4020901
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID20901

IUPAC: Chloroacetic acid
Molecular formula: C2H3ClO2
Molecular weight: 94.49 g/mol

Measured properties

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 thermal burns. It is toxic by ingestion, skin absorption and inhalation of dust. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. · Chloroacetic acid, solution is a colorless solution of the white crystalline solid. The acid concentration can be up to 80%. It is toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. It is corrosive to metals and tissue. It is used as an herbicide, preservative and bacteriostat.
Odour: Strong vinegar-like odor
Boiling point: 372 °F at 760 mmHg (EPA, 1998) · 189.1 °C
Melting point: 145 °F (EPA, 1998) · 50-63 °C
Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992) · In water, 8.58X10+5 mg/L at 25 °C
Density: 1.4043 at 104 °F (EPA, 1998) - Denser than water, will sink · 1.328 (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water, will sink
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Dissociation constant: pKa = 2.87
pH: 1.93
Melting/freezing point: 63 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 189 ℃
Flash point: 126 ℃(c.c.)
Evaporation rate: 1
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: 8 / - %
Vapour pressure: 0.016 ㎜Hg(20℃)
Water solubility: 1000 g/ℓ(20℃)
Vapour density: 3.26
Relative density: 1.37 (20℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 0.49
Auto-ignition temperature: &amp, gt, 500 ℃ (&amp, 1 011.9 - &amp, lt, 1 022 hPa)
Decomposition temperature: 715.9 ℃(kJ/mol)
Viscosity: 1.29 cP(100℃)
Molecular weight: 94.5

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 7 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Biocide2
Intermediate2
Pharmaceutical (EPA)1
Surfactant (surface active agent)1
Monomers1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

5 skin studies and 3 eye studies are on record.

Classed as highly irritating1

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 8 studies

Skin Corr. 1B
Skin Irritation · Authoritative
Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Skin corrosion/irritation - Category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 1A
Skin Irritation · Screening
Category 8.2C (Category 1C)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Category 1
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 8.3A (Category 1)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Corrosive or Irritation Persists for > 21 days
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · other guideline: FDA guideline: federal register 38, no. 187, 27-09-1973, p 27019 according to