MONOCHLOROACETIC ACID (MCA) (ClCH2CO2H) is a colorless or white crystalline solid, highly hygroscopic, sharp odor, inflammable, soluble in water and common organic solvent. MCA is organochlorine compound is a useful building-block in organic synthesis. SYNONYMS: Chloroacetic acid, Chloroethanoic acid, Monochloroethanoic acid, MCAA, MCA. IUPAC NAME: Chloroacetic acid SYSTEMATIC IUPAC NAME: Chloroethanoic acid CAS REGISTRY NUMBER: 79-11-8 EC NUMBER: 201-178-4 UN NUMBER: 1751 CHEMICAL FORMULA: C2H3ClO2 APPLICATIONS 1) Various Agrochemicals viz 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), 2,4,5-T (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid), MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid), Glyphosate and Dimethoate are prepared by alkylation with MCAA. 2) Drugs such as Adrenaline (Epinephrine), Vitamins, Synthetic Caffeine, Malonates, Glycine, Barbiturates etc. 3) Glycolic acid (Hydroxyacetic Acid), Thioglycolic Acid and Cyanoacetic Acid. 4) Textile Auxiliaries & Dyestuffs (Indigo).