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Chemical Datasheet
CHLOROACETIC ACID, SOLUTION |
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Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
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NFPA 704
General Description
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.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic gases, such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene and carbon monoxide, may be generated. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes mucous membrane irritation. Contact with liquid causes severe irritation and burns of the eyes and irritation and burns of skin. Ingestion causes burns of mouth and stomach. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
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.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Acids, Carboxylic
- Halogenated Organic Compounds
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
No information available.
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 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 tank car or highway tank 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, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 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, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Self-contained breathing apparatus; vinyl or neoprene rubber gloves; goggles and protective face shield; rubberized or acid-resistant clothing. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
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 |
Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be
used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or
explosive environments. Only...
(DuPont, 2024)
First Aid
Get medical attention for all exposures to this compound.
INHALATION: Remove victim to fresh air.
EYES: Flush with running water for 15 min.
SKIN: Flush with water.
INGESTION: Give large amount of water to dilute the acid. (USCG, 1999)
Physical Properties
Flash Point:
259°F
(USCG, 1999)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
8 %
(USCG, 1999)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
1.328
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight:
94.5
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Final AEGLs for Monochloroacetic acid (79-11-8)
Exposure Period |
AEGL-1 |
AEGL-2 |
AEGL-3 |
10 minutes |
NR |
12 ppm |
NR |
30 minutes |
NR |
8.3 ppm |
NR |
60 minutes |
NR |
6.6 ppm |
NR |
4 hours |
NR |
1.7 ppm |
NR |
8 hours |
NR |
0.83 ppm |
NR |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
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Chloroacetic acid; (Monochloroacetic acid) (79-11-8)
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1.5 ppm |
6.6 ppm |
15 ppm |
LEL = 80000 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
Regulatory Name |
CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ |
EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
Chloroacetic acid |
79-11-8 |
100/10000 pounds |
100 pounds |
100 pounds |
313 |
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(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
Alternate Chemical Names
- CHLORACETIC ACID
- CHLOROACETIC ACID
- CHLOROACETIC ACID (80% OR LESS)
- CHLOROACETIC ACID, SOLUTION
- CHLOROETHANOIC ACID
- MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID