Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)

CAS 76-03-9 · Formula C2HCl3O2 · MW 163.38 g/mol

A strongly acidic chlorinated acetic acid for synthesis and laboratory reagent duty. It is used as a reagent and intermediate in organic synthesis and as an acidic laboratory reagent; its sodium salt has been used as a herbicide.

Request SDS
UN Number
UN 1839
Hazard Class
Class 8
HS Code
2915.40
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
pH Adjustment · Synthesis Intermediate
Solubility
≥ 100 mg/mL at 22 °C
Industries Served
Applications & Use Cases
  • Organic synthesis: Reagent and chemical intermediate
  • Laboratory: Strong-acid reagent for analytical and research use
  • Agrochemicals: Sodium salt used as a pre- and post-emergent herbicide
Physical Properties
Melting Point
135 to 58 °C
Boiling Point
385 to 197 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.62 at 25 °C
Solubility
≥ 100 mg/mL at 22 °C
Vapor Pressure
1 mmHg at 51 °C; 5 mmHg at 76 °C
Flash Point
> 110 °C
pH
pH of 0.1 molar aq solution: 1.2
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 8 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 1839
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 8
Packing GroupII
Proper Shipping NameTrichloroacetic acid

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 40
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.40
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
76-03-9
Molecular Formula
C2HCl3O2
Molecular Weight
163.38 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid
PubChem CID
InChI Key
YNJBWRMUSHSURL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
TRICHLOROACETIC ACID Aceto-caustin Acetic acid, trichloro- Trichloroethanoic acid Trichloracetic acid Konesta Trichloressigsaeure Trichloroacetate 2,2,2-trichloroacetic acid Amchem grass killer Acido tricloroacetico Acide trichloracetique Trichloorazijnzuur Tecane Kyselina trichloroctova TKhU TKhUK Trichloroacetic acid (IUPAC) Trichloromethanecarboxylic acid
Full Description

Trichloroacetic acid (CAS 76-03-9, C2HCl3O2) is a strong chlorinated carboxylic acid, typically supplied as a crystalline solid. It is used as a reagent and intermediate in organic synthesis and as an acidic laboratory reagent; its sodium salt has been used as a herbicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is trichloroacetic acid used for?

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA, C2HCl3O2, CAS 76-03-9) is a strong chlorinated carboxylic acid supplied as a crystalline solid. It is used as a reagent and intermediate in organic synthesis and as a strong-acid laboratory reagent; its sodium salt has been used as a herbicide. We supply the crystal form in bulk for industrial and laboratory use.

Is trichloroacetic acid an acid, and how strong is it?

Yes. Trichloroacetic acid is a carboxylic acid made strongly acidic by its three electron-withdrawing chlorine atoms, giving it a much lower pKa than acetic acid. This strong acidity drives its use as a reagent in synthesis and analysis. Handling details are on the SDS.

Is trichloroacetic acid crystal water soluble?

Yes. Trichloroacetic acid crystal is highly soluble in water and also dissolves in many organic solvents. It is also deliquescent, so it must be kept sealed and dry; storage guidance is detailed on the SDS.

How is trichloroacetic acid classified for shipping?

Trichloroacetic acid is assigned UN 1839 and is a corrosive solid. Packing group, labeling, and handling requirements are detailed on the SDS and must follow current DOT/IATA/IMDG rules. We supply compliant documentation with each order.

Where can I buy bulk trichloroacetic acid crystal and what does it cost?

We supply trichloroacetic acid crystal in bulk to industrial and laboratory buyers. Pricing is quote-based and depends on grade, volume, and packaging. Request a bulk quote with your target volume for current pricing, CoA, and SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.