Chloroacetic acid, also known as monochloroacetic acid, is an important organic chemical raw material, which can be used in the synthesis of various organic compounds such as herbicides, dyes, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals. There are three main industrial processes: trichloroethylene hydrolysis, chloro-acetyl chloride method and acetic acid catalytic chlorination, among them, the continuous acetic acid chlorination process based on catalytic oxidation is being the most common method. The process can also be controlled to produce various chloroacetic acid derivatives, such as dichloroacetic acid, by adjusting reaction conditions.
Hydrogenation Reduction (Optional Step)
To obtain a higher purity or to convert any byproducts, hydrogenation may be used as a reduction step. This is especially useful if the chlorination results in dichloroacetic acid or if there is a need to reduce certain chlorine-containing species.
Technical Features
● High Yield and Efficiency
The process typically yields high amounts of chloroacetic acid, which is important for cost-effectiveness in industrial production.
The chlorination reaction is relatively efficient, providing a direct route to chloroacetic acid without requiring complex intermediates.
● Simple Reaction Conditions
The reaction takes place under mild conditions (moderate temperatures and pressures), making it easier to control compared to other methods.
It generally requires less energy than other chemical processes, leading to lower operating costs.
● Scalability
This process is easily scalable, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production.
The simplicity and straight forwardness of the chlorination reaction allow it to be implemented in large reactors without excessive complexity.
● Versatility
Chloroacetic acid produced via chlorination can be further reacted to produce various derivatives like glycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, or other valuable chemicals.
The process can be adapted to produce different concentrations of chloroacetic acid, catering to varying industrial requirements.
Chloroacetic Acid Specification
S/N |
Item |
Index |
1 |
Chloroacetic Acid Content(wt%) > |
99 |
2 |
Dichloroacetic Acid Content(wt%) < |
0.5 |
3 |
Acetic Acid Content(wt%) < |
0.2 |
4 |
Water Content(wt%) < |
0.3 |