CHLOROACETIC ACID (ICSC)

CHLOROACETIC ACID	ICSC: 0235

Date of Peer Review: May 2003

Chloroethanoic acid
Monochloroacetic acid
MCA

CAS #

79-11-8

C₂H₃ClO₂ / ClCH₂COOH

RTECS #

AF8575000

Molecular mass: 94.5

UN #

1751

EC #

607-003-00-1

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION			In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation	Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Laboured breathing. Vomiting. Convulsions. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Skin burns.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.	Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. Convulsions. Unconsciousness.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. (Extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.)

Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
EU Classification
Symbol: T, N
R: 25-34-50
S: (1/2-)-23-37-45-61
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
UN Pack Group: II

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61S1751
NFPA Code: H 3; F 1; R 0;

Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs. Dry. Well closed.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 1999

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

CHLOROACETIC ACID

ICSC: 0235

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, HYGROSCOPIC CRYSTALS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic fumes including hydrogen chloride, phosgene. The solution in water is a medium strong acid. Attacks metal.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established. MAK: IIb. See Notes.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
No indication can be given about the rate in which a harmful concentration in the air is reached on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of aerosol may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system, resulting in cardiac disorders, convulsions and kidney impairment. Exposure at high levels may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 189°C
Melting point: see Notes
Density: 1.58
Solubility in water: very good
Vapour pressure, Pa at 25°C: 8.68
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 3.26

Flash point: 126°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 470°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 8 -?
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.34

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

The substance is harmful to aquatic organisms.

NOTES

Melting point of alpha form = 63°C, beta form = 56.2°C, gamma form = 52.5°C. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Other UN numbers: 1750 Chloroacetic acid, solution; 3250 Chloroacetic acid, molten. MAK value is not established but full documentation is available (MAK IIb).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations