Sodium Chloroacetate (SMCA): Properties, Applications, and Industrial Uses
Sodium Chloroacetate (SMCA, C₂H₂ClNaO₂), also known as sodium monochloroacetate, is a versatile organic compound widely used as an intermediate in the production of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial chemicals. With its high reactivity and selective substitution properties, SMCA serves as a key building block in numerous chemical syntheses.
Vicmax Industrial’s parent company, Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Co., Ltd., supplies high-purity sodium chloroacetate to customers across multiple industries worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive overview of SMCA, its production, applications, and market significance.
What Is Sodium Chloroacetate?
Sodium chloroacetate is the sodium salt of chloroacetic acid. It appears as a white to slightly off-white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. Key physical and chemical properties include:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 3926-62-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₂ClNaO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 116.48 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay (as C₂H₂ClNaO₂) | ≥ 98.0% |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | ~44 g/100 mL |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.0–8.5 |
The chloroacetyl group (-CH₂Cl) in SMCA is highly reactive, enabling nucleophilic substitution reactions that form the basis of its industrial versatility.
Production Process
Sodium chloroacetate is produced by neutralizing monochloroacetic acid (MCA, CAS 79-11-8) with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. The reaction proceeds as follows:
ClCH₂COOH + NaOH → ClCH₂COONa + H₂O
The resulting solution is then concentrated, crystallized, and dried to produce the final crystalline product. Quality control parameters include assay purity, free MCA content, moisture content, and chloride levels.
Key Applications of Sodium Chloroacetate
1. Agrochemical Intermediate
SMCA is a crucial intermediate in the manufacture of several important herbicides and plant growth regulators:
- 2,4-D and MCPA herbicides — sodium chloroacetate is used in the production of phenoxy herbicide intermediates
- Glyphosate-related compounds — as a chemical building block in non-selective herbicide synthesis
- Plant growth regulators — precursors for auxin-type growth hormones
2. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Production
One of the largest industrial uses of SMCA is in the manufacture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a water-soluble polymer used extensively as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in:
- Food products (ice cream, sauces, baked goods)
- Detergents and cleaning products
- Oil drilling fluids
- Paper and textile processing
- Pharmaceutical formulations
SMCA reacts with cellulose under alkaline conditions to introduce carboxymethyl groups, producing CMC with varying degrees of substitution tailored to specific applications.
3. Thioglycolic Acid and Cosmetic Raw Materials
Sodium chloroacetate serves as a starting material for the production of thioglycolic acid (TGA), which is widely used in:
- Hair perm and depilatory products
- Leather processing (dehairing)
- Chemical synthesis of specialty esters
4. Dye and Pigment Intermediates
The reactivity of the chloroacetyl group makes SMCA valuable in synthesizing:
- Reactive dye intermediates
- Optical brighteners for textiles and paper
- Specialty pigment precursors
5. Pharmaceutical Synthesis
SMCA is employed in the production of several pharmaceutical intermediates, including:
- Barbiturate derivatives
- Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug intermediates
- Vitamin additives and nutritional supplements
Market Overview and Trends
The global sodium chloroacetate market is driven by demand from its downstream industries, particularly agrochemicals and CMC production. Key market trends include:
- Growing agrochemical demand — expansion of crop protection chemicals in Asia and South America drives SMCA consumption
- Food industry growth — increasing use of CMC as a food additive (E466) in processed foods
- Shift toward sustainable production — manufacturers adopting greener synthesis routes with reduced by-products
- Asia-Pacific market dominance — China and India account for over 60% of global production capacity
Storage and Handling Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C to prevent caking and degradation
- Keep containers tightly sealed — SMCA is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from air
- Use PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing
- Avoid contact with strong acids (releases toxic chloroacetic acid vapors) and strong bases (can cause violent decomposition)
- In case of spillage, sweep up and dissolve in water for disposal according to local environmental regulations
Why Choose Wuxi High Mountain for Sodium Chloroacetate?
Vicmax Industrial’s parent company, Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Co., Ltd., offers competitive advantages in sodium chloroacetate supply:
- High purity — ≥98% assay with tight specifications
- Stable production — consistent quality across multiple production lots
- Flexible packaging — 25 kg bags, 500 kg jumbo bags, or custom packing as required
- Global logistics network — reliable shipping to customers across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas
- Technical expertise — experienced team provides product application support
For inquiries about sodium chloroacetate (SMCA) and other fine chemicals, contact us at [email protected]. Visit vicmaxindustrial.com for more information about our company and product portfolio.