CHLOROACETIC ACID, SOLID

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
1 4 0	Health	4	Can be lethal.
	Flammability	1	Must be preheated before ignition can occur.
	Instability	0	Normally stable, even under fire conditions.
	Special

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.

none

Water soluble.

When heated to decomposition, it emits highly toxic fumes of phosgene and chlorides. Water may cause frothing if it gets below surface of the liquid and turns to steam. Flammable/poisonous gases may accumulate in tanks and hopper cars. Some of these materials may ignite combustibles, e.g., wood, paper, oil. It is corrosive to metals. Avoid heating. (EPA, 1998)

This material is very toxic. The probable lethal oral dose is 50-500 mg/kg of body weight, between one teaspoon and one ounce, for a 150 lb. person. Chloroacetic acid is irritating to the skin, cornea, and respiratory tract and causes burns. It may severely damage skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion may interfere with essential enzyme systems and cause perforation and peritonitis. Burns to skin result in marked fluid and electrolyte loss. Death may follow if more than 3% of the skin is exposed to this material. Other health hazards include central nervous system depression, and respiratory system depression. Persons with lung diseases are at greater risk. (EPA, 1998)

CHLOROACETIC ACID is a chlorinated carboxylic acid (organic acid). These organic compounds donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in it to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.

• Acids, Carboxylic
• Halogenated Organic Compounds

No information available.

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

This material is extremely hazardous to health, but fire fighters may enter areas with extreme care. Full protective clothing including a self-contained breathing apparatus, coat, pants, gloves, boots and bands around legs, arms and waist should be provided. No skin surface should be exposed. Cool fire-exposed containers with water. Move container from fire area if you can do so without risk. Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to flames until well after fire is out.

Water fog applied gently to surface will cause frothing which will extinguish fire. Normal fire fighting procedures may be used. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surroundings. Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty. For small fires use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or foam. For large fires use water spray, fog, or foam. (EPA, 1998)

Excerpt from 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

For emergency situations, wear a positive pressure, pressure-demand, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or pressure- demand supplied air respirator with escape SCBA and a fully-encapsulating, chemical resistant suit. (EPA, 1998)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Chloro acetic acid (80%)	79-11-8	Liquid		>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480

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(DuPont, 2023)

Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised. Chloroacetic acid is extremely corrosive.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Chloroacetic Acid Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute ingestion of chloroacetic acid may be severe and include salivation, intense thirst, difficulty in swallowing, chills, and shock. Oral, esophageal, and stomach burns are common and often associated with severe pain. Vomitus generally has a coffee-ground appearance. The potential for circulatory collapse is high following ingestion of chloroacetic acid. Acute inhalation exposure may result in sneezing, hoarseness, choking, laryngitis, dyspnea (shortness of breath), respiratory tract irritation, and chest pain. Bleeding of nose and gums, ulceration of the nasal and oral mucosa, pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia may also occur. If the eyes have come in contact with chloroacetic acid, then irritation, pain, swelling, corneal erosion, and blindness may result. Dermal exposure may result in dermatitis (red, inflamed skin), severe burns, and pain.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to chloroacetic acid may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to chloroacetic acid.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. RUSH to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self- exposure to chloroacetic acid.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas THOROUGHLY with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility.

Ingestion Exposure:
1. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
2. Rinse mouth with large amounts of water. Instruct victims not to swallow this water.
3. DO NOT induce vomiting or attempt to neutralize!
4. Activated charcoal is of no value.
5. Give the victims water or milk: children up to 1 year old, 125 mL (4 oz or 1/2 cup); children 1 to 12 years old, 200 mL (6 oz or 3/4 cup); adults, 250 mL (8 oz or 1 cup). Water or milk should be given only if victims are alert and conscious.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. RUSH to a health care facility. (EPA, 1998)

• ACETIC ACID, CHLORO-
• ALPHA-CHLOROACETIC ACID
• CHLORACETIC ACID
• CHLOROACETIC ACID
• CHLOROACETIC ACID, MOLTEN
• CHLOROACETIC ACID, SOLID
• CHLOROACETIC ACID, [SOLID]
• CHLOROETHANOIC ACID
• MCA
• MKHUK
• MONOCHLORACETIC ACID
• MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID
• MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID SOLUTION
• MONOCHLOROETHANOIC ACID
• NCI-C60231