Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is an intermediate product in the synthesis of indigo and many other vat dyes;
it is also used in the production of carboxymethyl cellulose, the hypnotic barbital, herbicides (for example, salts and esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), and vitamin B6.
An illustration of its usefulness in organic chemistry is the O-alkylation of salicylic aldehyde with chloroacetic acid,
followed by decarboxylation of the resulting ester to give benzofuran.
Most reactions use the high reactivity of the C-Cl bond. It is a precursor for the herbicide glyphosate.
The herbicide MHFUK (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid) was obtained by alkylation with chloroacetic acid.
Chloroacetic acid is converted to chloroacetyl chloride, a precursor of adrenaline.
Replacing chlorine with sulfur gives thioglycolic acid, which is used as a PVC stabilizer and as a component in some cosmetics.
The largest amount of chloroacetic acid is used for the preparation of a thickener - carboxymethyl cellulose.
Synonyms and international names
MHUK, chloroacetic acid, CHLOROACETIC ACID
Application
In the production of herbicides, insectofungicides, fragrances and medicinal substances, carboxymethyl cellulose, sulfur dyes.
Packaging
Polymer containers (barrels, containers), steel barrels with a polyethylene liner, cardboard winding drums.
Storage
Shelf life - 1 year from the date of manufacture.