Product Identification

Product Name

TCA

Synonyms

2,2,2-Trichloroacetic acid
Aceto Caustin
Aceto-Caustin
Amchem Grass Killer
TCA
Trichloroethanoic acid

CAS

76-03-9

Formula

C2HCl3O2

Molecular Weight

163.38999999999999

EINECS

200-927-2

RTECS

AJ7875000

RTECS Class

Agricultural Chemical and Pesticide; Tumorigen; Drug; Mutagen; Reproductive Effector; Primary Irritant

Merck

12,9756

Beilstein/Gmelin

970119

Beilstein Reference

4-02-00-00508

EC Index Number

607-004-00-7

EC Class

Corrosive; Dangerous for the Environment

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless to slightly yellow crystals with a sharp, pungent odor, deliquescent.

Solubility in water

Miscible

Solubility in water

Very soluble

Melting Point

54 - 56

Boiling Point

196

Vapor Pressure

0.17 (25 C)

Density

1.605 g/cm3 (25 C)

Density

1.62 g/cm3 (25 C)

pKa/pKb

1.1 (pKa)

pKa/pKb

1.10 (pKa)

Partition Coefficient

1.33

Heat Of Vaporization

47.7 kJ/mol

Heat Of Combustion

-389 kJ/mol

Usage

Herbicide.

Saturation Concentration

Low; 1300 ppm (0.13%) at 51 C (calculated)

Vapor Density

5.6

Refractive Index

1.4775 (20 C)

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Inhalation

Causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma.

Skin

Causes skin burns.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Causes severe eye burns.

Eyes

Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container. Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Corrosives area. Keep away from strong bases.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Use only in a chemical fume hood. Wash clothing before reuse.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma.

Skin

Causes skin burns.

Eyes

Causes severe eye burns.

Ingestion

Harmful if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns.

Hazards

When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors, and sewers explosion hazards. May polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.

EC Risk Phrase

R 35 50/53

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 45 60 61

UN (DOT)

1839

UN (DOT)

2564

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.

Respirators

Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.

Exposure Effects

Abnormal neuropsychologic function has been reported following hydrochloric acid exposure from a leaking tanker truck.

Exposure limit(s)

NIOSH REL: TWA 1 ppm (7 mg/m3)

Poison Class

2

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

66

Fire Fighting

Extinguish fire using agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. (Material itself does not burn or burns with difficulty.) Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Fire Potential

May burn but does not ignite readily.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Sweep up, then place into a suitable container for disposal. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Neutralize spill with sodium bicarbonate. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

4

Incompatibilities

Reacts dangerously with bases, strong oxidizers, and alkali metals such sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Decomposition

Hydrogen chloride, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, chlorine, phosgene gas, chloroform.

Combustion Products

Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Transport Information

UN Number

1839

UN Number

2564

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

II

HS Code

2915 40 00