Trichloroacetic Acid Formula

Trichloroacetic acid Formula

Carbon, Hydrogen, Chlorine, and Oxygen are the elements that make up trichloroacetic acid. Carbon is a nonmetallic element that is part of Periodic Table Group 14.It has the atomic number 6 and is denoted by the symbol C. The lightest, colourless, odourless, tasteless, and most flammable gas is hydrogen. It has the atomic number 1 and is denoted by the symbol H. Chlorine is a corrosive, toxic gas found in Periodic Table Group 17.It is the group’s second-lightest element. It has the atomic number 17 and is denoted by the symbol Cl. Oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetal found in the chalcogen group, specifically group 16. It has an atomic number of 8 and is denoted by the symbol O.

 Trichloroacetic acid is an organic compound and analogue of acetic acid, in which the three Hydrogen atoms have been replaced by Chlorine atoms. Jean-Baptiste Dumas discovered trichloroacetic acid in 1839. Trichloroacetic Acid Formula has the chemical formula C2HCl3O2. TCA is another name for it (A short form for Trichloroacetic acid). Trichloroacetic acid appears as a crystalline solid with no colour. It slowly turns into syrup by absorbing moisture from the air. When this syrup is dissolved in water, the heat released creates a strong acid. It is corrosive and is used in clinical chemistry as a protein precipitant. 

Trichloroacetates are Trichloroacetic Acid Formula esters and salts. Trichloroacetic acid is also known as Trichloroethanoic acid or Aceto-caustin. Trichloroacetic acid is the IUPAC name for this compound.

Structure of Trichloroacetic acid

It is a covalent organic compound. Carbon atoms bonded to O, OH, and CCl3 groups are sp2 hybridised. The other carbon atom is sp3 hybridised and is bonded with Cl3 and COOH groups.

Preparation of Trichloroacetic acid

Trichloroacetic Acid Formula is made by combining acetic acid (CH3COOH) and chlorine (Cl) in the presence of a catalyst.

 It is also formed as a result of the oxidation of trichloroacetaldehyde.

Properties Of Trichloroacetic acid Formula

The various physical and chemical properties of Trichloroacetic Acid Formula are given below: 

Physical Properties of Trichloroacetic acid

1. Trichloroacetic Acid Formula has a molecular weight of 163.38 g/mol.
2. Trichloroacetic acid has a melting point of 57° to 58° C.
3. Trichloroacetic acid has a boiling point of 196° to 197°C.
4. Trichloroacetic acid has a density of 1.63 g/cm3.
5. It takes the form of a colourless crystalline solid.
6. The odour is quite strong.

Chemical Properties of Trichloroacetic acid

1. Water dissolves the Trichloroacetic Acid Formula.
2. Trichloroacetic acid has a pH of 1.2. As a result, it is acidic in nature.
3. It has a corrosive nature.
4. Trichloroacetic acid reacts with protein rather than water.
5. Trichloroacetic Acid Formula is a powerful oxidising agent.

Uses of Trichloroacetic acid

1. Trichloroacetic acid is used in biochemistry to precipitate macromolecules. Proteins, DNA, and RNA are precipitated.
2. It is used to remove tattoos.
3. It is used to treat skin infections during pregnancy.
4. Trichloroacetic acid is used as a fixative and decalcifier in microscopy.
5. It is applied to the skin to treat warts. In diluted form, it is also used to treat genital warts.
6. Cosmetics contain trichloroacetic acid.
7. Trichloroacetic acid is widely used in clinical chemistry for formulation preparation.

Safety Measures And Applications

1. It corrodes metals and tissues.
2. It is widely used in clinical chemistry as a caustic for wart removal and as a protein precipitant.
3. Its primary application is to precipitate macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Sample Questions

Students can find solutions to questions related to Trichloroacetic Acid Formula formula on the website and mobile application of Extramarks. Resources offered by Extramarks will benefit students’ in their exam preparations.