Chloroacetic acid: production and chemical properties

Chloroacetic acid is acetic acid in which one of the hydrogen atoms in the methyl group is replaced by a free chlorine atom. It is obtained as a result of the interaction of acetic acid with chlorine.

The main raw material for production is acetic acid. Chloroacetic acid can also be obtained by hydrolyzing trichlorethylene.

As a result of hydrolysis, a chemically pure product is obtained. However, this method implies the use of pure distilled water without any impurities.

Chloroacetic acid is used to produce a variety of dyes, drugs, vitamins and all kinds of pesticides. It is also used as a surfactant (surfactant).

In the chlorination of acetic acid in a medium of inorganic catalysts (namely acetic anhydride, sulfur and phosphorus), chloroacetic acid is obtained, the formula of which is CH ₂ Cl-COOH:

CH ₃ -COOH + Cl ₂ ↑ → => CH ₂ Cl-COOH + HCl.

Physical properties

Chloroacetic acid is hygroscopic, transparent crystals with a melting point of 61.2 ° C and a boiling point of 189.5 ° C. The substance is readily soluble (both in alcohol and in aqueous medium, as well as in acetone, benzene and carbon tetrachloride).

Monochloroacetic acid - a poisonous and extremely dangerous substance, with the ingestion of which is often a lethal outcome. If it gets on the skin, chloroacetic acid causes severe burns, which do not heal for a long time.

When breathing in acid vapors, inflammatory changes in the lungs, as well as in the upper and lower respiratory tract, can occur.

The workers of the production workshops for the production of monochloroacetic acid suffer from a violation of the sense of smell, chronic rhinopharyngitis, desquamation and dry skin.

Also, with prolonged interaction with an aggressive substance, epidermal skin lesions are observed, expressed by dermatitis in the face, neck, upper and lower extremities, and in rare cases - the trunk.

Chloroacetic acid in the human body is converted into thiodiacetic acid, which is excreted from the body with feces and urine.

Basic precautions for operation:

- It is strictly forbidden to inhale vapors, gas, smoke and dust;

- Always use personal protective equipment when performing work related to any contact with acid (impermeable overalls, goggles, rubber boots and gloves);

- In case of inhalation of vapors or acid contact with the skin, immediately seek qualified help from the nearest medical institution.

The maximum permissible and theoretically safe concentration of chloroacetic acid in the air of the production room is about one mg / m ³ .

When transporting the acid, it is packed in plastic containers (containers or barrels), cardboard drums, as well as steel containers. Transportation by any kind of covered transport is allowed.

It should be remembered that monochloroacetic acid is fire and explosive. This substance is highly flammable.