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Name: Trichloroacetic acid
Common Uses: Chemical peels in dermatology, protein precipitation in labs, etching, and as a reagent in chemical syntheses
Appearance: Colorless to white crystalline solid, sharp pungent odor
Synonyms: TCA, Aceto-trichloride
CAS Number: 76-03-9
Acute risks: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; even small splashes produce burning pain and damage
Inhalation hazard: Fumes irritate the throat and lungs; exposure can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain
Environmental hazard: Toxic to aquatic life, long-lasting harm to water sources
GHS label elements: Corrosive pictogram, exclamation mark, environmental hazard emblem
Chemical formula: C2HCl3O2
Purity: Often sold as 99% or higher for laboratory use, with traces of hydrochloric acid possible
Impurities: Some batches may contain residual water or organic contaminants from synthesis
Skin contact: Immediate rinsing under running water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention for irritation or burns
Eye contact: Rinse quickly and thoroughly with running water for at least 15 minutes, call emergency help if pain persists
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, monitor breathing and seek help if symptoms develop
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, get medical support at once as corrosive damage spreads rapidly
Sensitivity to fire: Non-flammable; main threat comes from toxic fumes during a fire
Extinguishing media: Use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or foam—avoid water jets as they spread corrosive runoff
Hazardous byproducts: Burning TCA releases toxic gases including hydrochloric acid, chlorine, and phosgene; firefighters require self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing
Evacuation: Nearby areas may need evacuation if large quantities burn because of irritating vapors
Personal protection: Only trained staff with chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and aprons should approach a spill
Containing spill: Keep away from drains; neutralize cautiously with sodium bicarbonate if safe
Cleaning up: Scoop solid carefully; ventilate the area; dispose of cleanup waste in sealed, labeled containers
Large releases: Evacuate and consult specialist emergency responders
Safe handling: Always measure or transfer near exhaust ventilation or fume hoods—TCA fumes sting respiratory passages fast
Storage requirements: Keep in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas, far from incompatible substances like bases, oxidizers, and moisture
Segregation: Store away from food and incompatible chemicals, label shelves clearly to avoid mix-ups
Personal habits: No eating, drinking, or smoking anywhere near use or storage zones
Engineering controls: Fume hoods or localized extraction cut down vapor exposure
Protective equipment: Impermeable gloves, goggles, face shields, chemical-resistant aprons, and sturdy closed shoes
Respiratory protection: Use air-purifying respirators equipped for acid vapors or, with high levels, a supplied-air system
Hygiene practice: Everyone washes hands and face thoroughly after handling; remove work clothing before leaving the lab or workplace
Physical state: Solid crystals at room temperature
Odor: Sharp, acrid, very detectable to most people
Melting point: About 57°C
Boiling point: 196°C
Solubility: Easily dissolves in water, producing a highly acidic solution
Vapor pressure: Moderate at higher temperatures, fumes appear quickly if bottles are left open
Density: Nearly 1.63 g/cm³ as a solid
Chemical stability: Remains stable if kept sealed, cool, and dry; light and heat speed up decomposition
Dangerous reactions: Reacts with metals, strong bases, amines, oxidizers—forms toxic gases like chlorine and phosgene if overheated or mixed with such materials
Hazardous decomposition: Hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, phosgene released under fire or intense heat
Main exposure routes: Skin, eyes, inhalation, and accidental ingestion
Short-term effects: Strong corrosive burns, ulceration, and blistering where it touches skin; inhaling fumes triggers coughing, wheezing, and lung edema
Long-term effects: Chronic exposure weakens teeth, harms the liver and kidneys, and increases cancer risks in animal studies at high exposures
LD50 (oral-rat): Ranges around 3,300 mg/kg, showing high acute toxicity if swallowed
Known allergic reactions: Not common, but severe burns and scarring develop if not washed away at once
Persistence: Breaks down in soil and water over weeks to months, but high concentrations linger and acidify water
Bioaccumulation: Unlikely to build up in living creatures, but still threatens aquatic life
Aquatic toxicity: Small amounts poison fish, insects, and aquatic plants; runoff can bleach and kill vegetation
Environmental harm: Repeated spills degrade soil and pollute nearby water systems
Best practices: Consult local hazardous waste rules for acidic organics
Process: Neutralizing with sodium bicarbonate or lime brings pH closer to neutral, but only specialized disposal sites accept neutralized residue
Do not flush: TCA ruins plumbing and sewage systems, harms wastewater treatment microbes, and pollutes downstream environments
Container disposal: Rinse empty bottles with copious water and send as hazardous waste
Shipping class: Rotates between corrosive and environmentally hazardous depending on quantity and concentration
Packaging: Always use secure, corrosive-resistant containers with clear, durable labels in compliance with local and international transport regulation
Precautions: Keep shipments upright, out of direct sunlight and away from food or animal feed
Spillage response: Transport staff should know emergency response for leaks, using gloves and goggles immediately
Classification status: Trichloroacetic acid lands on key hazardous chemical lists due to corrosive, acute toxicity, and aquatic hazard effects
Labeling requirements: Law requires corrosive and environmental warning symbols, hazard statements, and instructions for safe use
Workplace limits: Agencies in North America and Europe set occupational exposure limits, often around 0.5 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average
User obligations: Strict record-keeping, safety protocols, and controlled storage required under workplace chemical safety laws to protect users and bystanders
