The carboxymethylation workhorse
One reagent adds a –CH₂COOH group to cellulose, amines, phenols or thiols, which is why CMC, betaine and herbicide plants are built around it.
MCA
Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) Supplier from China
Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is the standard carboxymethylating agent behind CMC, betaine surfactants, thioglycolic acid and phenoxy herbicides. SUNCHEM supplies 99.0% min. MCA in 25 kg bags and 1,000 kg big bags, with a batch COA on every shipment.
CAS 79-11-8 · ClCH₂COOH · Chloroacetic acid
- Lot COA with every shipment
- Samples for your trials
- Technical support for your trial
Product overview & key benefits
MCA has two reactive ends: a carboxylic acid group and an activated C–Cl bond. That makes it the usual way to attach a –CH₂COOH group to cellulose, starch, amines, phenols and thiols. Most of the world's MCA goes into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The rest feeds amphoteric surfactants, thioglycolic acid, glycine, phenoxy herbicides such as MCPA and 2,4-D, and pharmaceutical and dye intermediates.
In these reactions the by-product acids in MCA matter as much as the assay. Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) and acetic acid carry through into the downstream product, so buyers usually specify them alongside purity and moisture.
Solid grade for batch charging
Bagged MCA is weighed and charged directly, or dissolved on site, without the heated tanks that molten MCA needs.
Specify the impurities, not just purity
We quote against the limits on your incoming-inspection sheet — assay, DCA, acetic acid, moisture — and send the batch COA for each lot.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Product name | Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) |
| Synonyms | Chloroacetic acid; MCAA |
| CAS No. | 79-11-8 |
| EC No. | 201-178-4 |
| Molecular formula | C₂H₃ClO₂ |
| Molecular weight | 94.50 |
| Appearance | White to colorless crystalline solid |
| Assay | ≥99.0% |
Assay is the typical value for our standard grade. Dichloroacetic acid (DCA), acetic acid and moisture limits depend on the producer grade and are stated on the TDS and batch COA; the limits for your order are confirmed in the quotation and contract.
Applications by Industry
Where MCA is used, and what to confirm before you switch supply.
Cellulose & starch ethers — CMC, CMS
The largest single use. Alkali cellulose is etherified with MCA or its sodium salt to make CMC for food, detergent, drilling-fluid and paper grades; starch is carboxymethylated the same way.
Check before trial
- Target degree of substitution and CMC grade
- Whether you charge MCA or sodium chloroacetate
- DCA and acetic acid limits for your purity target
Amphoteric surfactants & personal care
Usually neutralized to sodium chloroacetate first, MCA quaternizes fatty amidoamines to make cocamidopropyl betaine and related betaines. With sodium hydrosulfide it gives thioglycolic acid for cosmetic and PVC-stabilizer uses.
Check before trial
- Residual chloroacetate limit in your finished product
- Color and chloride targets
- Solid MCA or ready-made sodium salt
Herbicides & agrochemical intermediates
Condensed with chlorophenols to make phenoxy herbicides such as MCPA and 2,4-D, and the source of glycine used in one glyphosate route.
Check before trial
- Active ingredient and synthesis route
- Iron or heavy-metal limits, if you specify them
- Monthly volume and delivery rhythm
Pharmaceutical, dye & fine-chemical intermediates
A building block for glycine, cyanoacetic acid and malonate esters used in caffeine and other APIs, and for dye intermediates such as phenylglycine for indigo.
Check before trial
- Assay and DCA limits for your synthesis
- Documents your QA team needs (COA, SDS, REACH)
- Sample size for a lab or pilot run
Selection & comparison
Choosing the right MCA form
| Your requirement | What usually works |
|---|---|
| CMC, betaine or herbicide production | Standard 99.0% min. solid MCA |
| Your process neutralizes MCA with caustic first | Consider sodium chloroacetate (SMCA) and skip the neutralization step |
| Low by-product acids for pharma or high-purity CMC | Specify DCA and acetic acid limits; ask for the TDS before sampling |
| Charging by weight into batch reactors | Bagged solid — 25 kg bags or 1,000 kg big bags |
| Replacing an existing supplier | Send your current TDS or COA; we quote against the parameters you approve |
MCA vs sodium chloroacetate
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see all columns →
| Product | CAS | Formula | Mol. weight | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCA | 79-11-8 | C₂H₃ClO₂ | 94.50 | Acid form; most CMC, herbicide and pharma routes |
| Sodium chloroacetate (SMCA) | 3926-62-3 | C₂H₂ClNaO₂ | 116.48 | Pre-neutralized; common in betaine and CMC plants that dose the salt |
Both deliver the same –CH₂COOH group. Choose by how your process is set up, and confirm with a trial.
Packaging & storage
Packaging
25 kg bags or 1,000 kg big bags. Tell us your pallet pattern and labeling requirements with the order.
Storage
Keep bags closed in a cool, dry, ventilated store, away from bases, oxidizers and metals. MCA absorbs moisture and is corrosive; follow the SDS for handling and PPE.
Transport
Solid chloroacetic acid is regulated dangerous goods (UN 1751, Class 6.1, subsidiary risk 8, PG II). Allow for DG booking and documents when you plan sea freight.
From first email to approved supply
Name the downstream product
CMC, betaine, herbicide or API: each sets different limits for DCA, acetic acid and moisture. Tell us which one and the grade you make.
Compare the numbers that matter
Assay alone does not qualify MCA. Put DCA, acetic acid, moisture and, if relevant, iron on the same COA template as your incoming inspection.
Plan for dangerous goods
Solid MCA ships as UN 1751, Class 6.1 (8). Agree packaging, labeling and the destination port early so the DG booking does not delay the first order.
Trial, then lock the spec
Run a sample in your own process and keep the approved lot COA as the reference for contract limits.
Tell us your requirement. We match the grade.
Tell us what you make with MCA, the quantity and the destination port. Add your current specification and we will quote against it.
| Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Application | CMC, betaine, herbicide, pharma intermediate |
| Required specification | Assay, DCA, acetic acid, moisture |
| Form & packaging | Solid · 25 kg bags or 1,000 kg big bags |
| Quantity | Trial order / monthly / annual volume |
| Destination | Country and port |
| Documents needed | COA, SDS, TDS, REACH statement |
| Current supplier grade | Optional — helps us match |
Related products
Sodium Chloroacetate
Pre-neutralized MCA for betaine and CMC processes that dose the sodium salt.
View product →Carboxymethyl Cellulose
The main downstream product of MCA, for food, detergent and industrial grades.
View product →Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Amphoteric surfactant made from a fatty amidoamine and chloroacetate.
View product →Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) FAQ
What is monochloroacetic acid used for?
Mainly to make carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). It is also used for betaine surfactants, thioglycolic acid, glycine, phenoxy herbicides such as MCPA and 2,4-D, and pharmaceutical and dye intermediates.
What purity of MCA do you supply?
Our standard grade is 99.0% min. assay. Dichloroacetic acid, acetic acid and moisture limits depend on the producer grade; we send the TDS and batch COA so you can check them against your specification before ordering.
How is MCA packed and shipped?
In 25 kg bags or 1,000 kg big bags. Solid chloroacetic acid is dangerous goods (UN 1751, Class 6.1, subsidiary risk 8), so it ships with DG documents; tell us the destination port early.
Should I buy MCA or sodium chloroacetate?
If your process neutralizes MCA with caustic before the reaction, sodium chloroacetate can save that step. Plants that charge the acid directly usually stay with MCA. We can quote both.
Can I get the SDS and a sample before ordering?
Yes. Send your application and planned test; we provide the SDS and TDS with the quotation and arrange a sample sized for your trial.
