Trichloroacetic Acid

HCID 6421CAS 76-03-9

Basic information

Standard SMILES
O=C(O)C(Cl)(Cl)Cl
InChIKey
YNJBWRMUSHSURL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Molecular formula
C2HCl3O2
Average molar mass
163.38 g/mol
Monoisotopic mass
161.90421231

Overview

Trichloroacetic Acid can cause cancer according to California Labor Code.

Names & identifiers

Preferred name
Trichloroacetic Acid
IUPAC
2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid

Names & synonyms

TRICHLOROACETIC ACID76-03-9Aceto-caustinAcetic acid, trichloro-Trichloroethanoic acidTrichloracetic acidKonestaTrichloressigsaeureTrichloroacetate2,2,2-trichloroacetic acidAmchem grass killerAcido tricloroacetico
Show more names
Acide trichloracetiqueTrichloorazijnzuurTecaneKyselina trichloroctovaTKhUTKhUKTrichloroacetic acid (IUPAC)Trichloromethanecarboxylic acid

Database identifiers

CAS
76-03-9
PubChem CID
6421
DTXSID
DTXSID1021378
ChEMBL
CHEMBL14053
ChEBI
CHEBI:30956
UNII
5V2JDO056X
EC Number
200-927-2
Nikkaji
J2.400G

Properties

Computed structural properties

XLogP
1.3
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ų
Hydrogen bond donors
1
Hydrogen bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
0
Heavy atoms
7

Experimental & physicochemical properties

Chemical Classes · 2 items

Other Classes -> Organic Acids

Carcinogens

DrugsPharmaceuticals -> Metabolite of Chloral hydrate
CosmeticsCosmetics ingredient -> Other (Specify)
pHpH of 0.1 molar aq solution: 1.2
Pesticides · 2 items

Pesticide -> EPA IRIS

Pesticide

LogP · 4 items

log Kow = 1.33

1.33

1.7

1.33

Safety & regulation

GHS classification

GHS Classification · 6 items

Danger

H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P260, P264, P273, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Danger

H314 (100%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

P260, P264, P273, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P321, P363, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Hazard information

Regulatory Information · 5 items

Chemical: Acetic acid, trichloro-

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity

Status: Active Update: 17-10-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/10519

Trichloroacetic acid: HSNO Approval: HSR002720 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Other Safety InformationIMAP assessments - Acetic acid, trichloro-: Human health tier II assessment
DOT Label · 2 items

Corrosive

Corrosive

Fire Hazards · 5 items

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

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

· Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.

· Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.

Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.

Fire PotentialNONCONBUSTIBLE
Health Hazards · 4 items

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

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

· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.

· TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.

Safety & protection

Fire Fighting · 3 items

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

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

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

First Aid Measures · 4 items

Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

Accidental Release Measures · 4 items

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

First Aid · 5 items

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

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

General First Aid:

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

Safe StorageSeparated from food and feedstuffs. See Chemical Dangers. Cool. Dry. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Exposure Control and Personal Protection · 3 items

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

0.2 [ppm]

Toxicology

Body Burden · 2 items

Trichloroacetic acid has been discovered as a metabolite in the urine of workers exposed to trichloroethylene vapor. Chloral hydrate is immediately oxidized to trichloroacetic acid in humans

To evaluate exposure to trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (TeCE), urine samples from inhabitants of two villages in Finland were collected. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected from 95 inhabitants of the village of Oitti and 21 inhabitants of the village of Hattula. GCMS detection of trichloracetic acid, a metabolite of TCE and TeCE, showed a range in Oitti of 19 to 1500 ng/kg/day and in Hattula a range of <5 to 340 ng/kg/day(1). Plasmatic trichloroacetic acid was used as a tracer for monitoring exposure to trichloroethylene (TRI) and tetrachloroethylene (PER) in Milan, Italy during the periods June-July 1978, November-December 1979, and June-July 1979. Twenty-four persons body fluids was analyzed using GC Ni-63 electron capture detection. Concns of trichloroacetic acid were higher for those exposed to >50 ug/L TRI/PER than for those exposed to <1 ug/L TRI/PER. Plasmatic levels of TCA were higher in winter than in summer(2). Trichloroacetic acid was detected in 76% of 403 adult urine samples tested as part of a chlorinated drinking water survey, at a concentration ranging from <0.5 to >25 ug/L, with frequency of detection higher in urban than rural areas of the US(3). Following 30 minute swims/walks in swimming pools with trichloroacetic acid concentrations ranging from 57 to 871 ug/L, urinary levels ranged from 33 to 653 ug(4).

Cancer SitesHepatic
Interactions · 3 items

B6C3F1 mice were administered 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/L chloroform in drinking water and 500 mg/kg dichloroacetic acid (DCA) or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) -administered daily by gavage. DCA, TCA and to a lesser extent chloroform decreased the methylation and increased the mRNA expression of the c-myc gene. Co-administering chloroform prevented only DCA and not TCA-induced hypomethylation and increased mRNA expression of the gene. The effect of chloroform on tumor promotion by DCA and TCA was determined in female and male B6C3F1 mice initiated on day 15 of age with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. Starting at 5 weeks of age, the mice received in their drinking water DCA (3.2 g/L) or TCA (4.0 g/L) with 0, 800 or 1600 mg/L chloroform until they were killed at 36 weeks. Liver tumors promoted by DCA and TCA were predominantly basophilic ... Chloroform prevented DCA, but not TCA promotion of liver foci and tumors. In male mice, TCA promoted kidney tumors...

... The ability of trichloroacetate (TCA) or dichloroacetate (DCA) pretreatment to alter the metabolism of bromodichloroacetate (BDCA) and the disposition of its metabolites was examined in male B6C3F1 mice. Two-week pretreatment with 1 g/L DCA and TCA in the drinking water of mice alters the initial hepatic metabolism of BDCA and the further metabolism of its metabolite DCA. DCA pretreatment inhibits cytosolic metabolism of both 1 mM DCA or BDCA up to 70%. In contrast, DCA pretreatment stimulates hepatic microsomal BDCA metabolism 1.3-fold but has little effect on microsomal metabolism of DCA. Increased microsomal metabolism of BDCA appears to be attributable to the induction of a metabolic pathway that produces CO2 and bromodichloromethane (BDCM) as metabolites. TCA pretreatment inhibits BDCA metabolism up to 70% in the cytosol and 30% in microsomes but has little effect on DCA metabolism. These results indicate that the hepatic metabolism of the haloacetate becomes quite complex at the high doses that have been employed in cancer bioassays. BDCA serves as a good example, because it is metabolized to at least two carcinogenic metabolites that have different modes of action, BDCM and DCA. As doses approach those that induce cancer in mice, the proportion of and amounts of these metabolites as a fraction of the dose administered will change substantially. This article demonstrates that those interactions will occur from mixed treatment with haloacetates as well.

Admin of chloral hydrate, the hypnotic part of dichloralphenazone, decr steady-state plasma warfarin concn due to accum of TCA which displaced warfarin from plasma protein binding sites.

Target Organs · 2 items

Hepatic

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract

Ecotoxicity Values · 5 items

EC50 Daphnia magna /(Water flea)/ 2000 mg/L/48 hr; static; Effect: immobilization

LC50 Daphnia magna /(Water flea)/ 2000 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow, age <1 yr); Conditions: freshwater; static, 20 °C, pH 8.2, hardness 192 mg/L CaCO3, alkalinity 138 mg/L CaCO3; Concentration: 2000 mg/L for 96 hr /48.2% EC/

LC50 Cyprinus carpio (carp) 2500 mg/L for 96 hr; static

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Environmental Fate · 4 items

PERSISTENCE IN THE SOIL IS VARIABLE, 21 DAYS TO ABOUT 90 DAYS, DEPENDENT ON SOIL, MOISTURE, TEMP, AND RATE APPLIED.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.33(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that trichloroacetic acid is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of trichloroacetic acid is 0.51(4), indicating that this compound will primarily exist in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(5). Volatilization of trichloroacetic acid from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 1.35X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(6). Trichloroacetic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 6.0X10-2 mm Hg(7). A half-life of trichloroacetic acid in soil reported as 119.6 days in a laboratory experiment(8) indicates that biodegradation is not an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 130(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 1.33(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that trichloroacetic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 1.35X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(4). A pKa of 0.51(5) indicates trichloroacetic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(6). According to a classification scheme(7), a BCF range of 0.4 to 1.7(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 7% theoretical BOD after 4 weeks incubation with activated sludge and the Japanese MITI test(8) indicates that biodegradation is not a fast environmental fate process in water(SRC).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), trichloroacetic acid, which has a vapor pressure of 6.0X10-2 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase trichloroacetic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 31 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.2X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Trichloroacetic acid does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(4).

Regulatory information

RCRA RequirementsD002; A solid waste containing chloroacetic acid may become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to testing for toxicity as stipulated in 40 CFR 261.22, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.
FIFRA Requirements · 1 item

As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Pesticides for which EPA had not issued Registration Standards prior to the effective date of FIFRA, as amended in 1988, were divided into three lists based upon their potential for human exposure and other factors, with List B containing pesticides of greater concern and List D pesticides of less concern. Trichloroacetic acid is found on List D. Case No: 4089; Pesticide type: Herbicide; Case Status: No products containing the pesticide are actively registered ... The case /is characterized/ as "cancelled." Under FIFRA, pesticide producers may voluntarily cancel their registered products. EPA also may cancel pesticide registrations if registrants fail to pay required fees or make/meet certain reregistration commitments, or if EPA reaches findings of unreasonable adverse effects.; Active ingredient (AI): Trichloroacetic acid; AI Status: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."

Federal Drinking Water StandardsEPA 60 ug/l /Haloacetic acids/
Federal Drinking Water GuidelinesEPA 300 ug/l

Chemistry & industry

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action · 3 items

Trichloroethylene may act as a promoter, because it inhibits intercellular communication in vitro. It is converted to trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in mice, but not much in rats. TCA acts as a peroxisome proliferator, and the neoplasm in the liver of mice may arise through this mechanism. These chemicals are conjugated with GSH, yielding products that are converted to the reactive metabolites in the kidneys through the action of beta-lyase. These steps occur to a greater extent in rats than in mice, and account for the pronounced nephrotoxicity, involving alpha-2-microglobin accumulation, probably a key reaction. The nephrotoxicity explains the low but definite yield of kidney neoplasms.

Induction of peroxisome proliferation has been repeatedly associated with the chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of trichloroacetic acid to the liver ... It can induce peroxisome proliferation in the livers of both mice and rats, as indicated by increased activities of palmitoyl-coenzyme A oxidase and carnitine acetyl transferase, the appearance of peroxisome proliferation associated protein and increased volume density of peroxisomes after exposure to trichloroacetic acid for 14 days. The compound induced peroxisome proliferation in mouse but not in rat kidney, and it induced peroxisome proliferation in primary cultures of hepatocytes from rats and mice but not in those from humans.

A linear dose response relation /was found/ between TCA induced hepatocellular nodules and proliferative lesions in male mice given the compound in their drinking water at 1000 to 2000 ppm for 1 year. Hepatocellular hypertrophy with intracellular glycogen and a marked accumulation of lipofuscin (indicative of massive intracellular lipid peroxidation) developed. These data suggest that TCA induced hepatotoxicity in mice was related to the generation of free radicals during its in vivo biotransformation. Neither necrosis nor hyperplasia were seen in TCA exposed mice.

Biological Half-LifeAfter administration of a single oral dose of 3 mg/kg bw trichloroacetic acid to healthy volunteers, the mean plasma half life of the compound was about 50 hr and the volume of distribution was about 115 mL/kg bw.
Metabolism/Metabolites · 5 items

TCA is a metabolite of chloral hydrate.

A group of 10 men and 10 women employed for the production of polyethylene bags, for which trichloroethylene is used, were examined. The analysis of TCA content in urine shows a 40% reduction after 2 days rest.

Interaction of tetrachloroethylene with hepatic microsomal cytochromes p450 was investigated using male Long-Evans rats. Free trichloroacetic acid was the major metabolite of tetrachloroethylene from the hepatic microsomal cytochrome p450 system.

After exposure of workers to trichloroethylene, urinary concentration of trichloroacetic acid was related to trichloroethylene vapor concentration up to 50 ppm, but not at higher concentrations.

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

MeSH Pharmacological Classification · 1 item

Strong alkaline chemicals that destroy soft body tissues resulting in a deep, penetrating type of burn, in contrast to corrosives, that result in a more superficial type of damage via chemical means or inflammation. Caustics are usually hydroxides of light metals. SODIUM HYDROXIDE and potassium hydroxide are the most widely used caustic agents in industry. Medically, they have been used externally to remove diseased or dead tissues and destroy warts and small tumors. The accidental ingestion of products (household and industrial) containing caustic ingredients results in thousands of injuries per year.

Absorption, Distribution and Excretion · 5 items

After trichloroethylene poisoning, TCA is excreted in urine in high quantities that quickly decr but are detectable for some time. Excretion pattern of TCA in perchloroethylene poisoning is quite variable.

TCA is ... not readily absorbed through the skin.

After trichloroethylene absorption trichloroacetic acid occurs as an intermed that is excreted in the urine as glucuronic acid. /From table/

Administration of a single oral dose of 5, 20, or 100 mg/kg (14)C-TCA to male F344 rats or male B6C3F1 mice was followed by elimination of >50% of the dose as the parent compound in urine. Initial circulating concentrations of the parent TCA were 40% higher in rats (reflected in significantly larger plasma AUC values) than in mice; twice the percentage of TCA was exhaled as (14)CO2 compared to that in mice. After the first 3 hours, elimination kinetics for the two species were essentially identical (plasma t1/2= 5.8 hours).

... Absorption and distribution studies were conducted with radiolabelled trichloro(2-(14)C)acetic acid, which was administered by gavage (500 mg/kg) as aqueous free acid, neutral aqueous solution (sodium salt) or free acid in corn oil. The absorption and distribution of trichloroacetic acid was similar in all cases: the chemical was absorbed rapidly after dosing, maximum plasma liver concn of free radiolabel being achieved in <1 hr. ...

Uses & manufacturing

Uses · 6 items

Used as a medication (peeling agent to remove wrinkles) and in organic synthesis; Generated in chlorinated water that contains organic matter; The sodium salt of TCA is used as a pre- and post-emergent herbicide; [ACGIH]

For trichloroacetic acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 081002) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled."

MEDICATION

Caustics

For more Uses (Complete) data for TRICHLOROACETIC ACID (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

U.S. Exports(1984) 8.60X10+9 G /HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS, NSPF/
U.S. Imports(1984) 3.67X10+9 G/CHLOROACETIC ACID/
U.S. Production · 3 items

(1975) GREATER THAN 3.60X10+6 G

(1976) GREATER THAN 2.27X10+6 G

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#3571]

Consumption PatternsBetween the late 1940's until 1990 about 30,000 tons of trichloroacetic acid were applied /as herbicide/ in Germany
Methods of Manufacturing · 3 items

Prepared by oxidation of chloral hydrate with nitric acid.

Trichloroacetic acid is manufactured in the United States via exhaustive chlorination of acetic acid ... hydrolytic oxidation of tetrachloroethene, and hydrogen peroxide oxidation of chloral.

Trichloroacetic acid is produced on an industrial scale by chlorination of acetic acid or chloroacetic acid mother-liquors at 140 - 160 °C. If necessary, calcium hypochlorite is added as a chlorination accelerator. There are conflicting views concerning adding heavy metal salts as chlorination catalysts. Examples of catalysts that have been used are iron and copper compounds, which are precipitated with sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid if decomposition of the reaction mixture occurs; 2% phosphoric acid; and catalysts and UV light. Trichloroacetic acid has also been produced without catalysts. The crude product, containing about 95% trichloroacetic acid, is best isolated by crystallizing the melt, removing the mother-liquor with most of its impurities, and increasing the purity by centrifugation or recrystallization.

Related reactions

184 records

Linked notes

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