Trichloroacetic acid (TCA; TCAA; also known as trichloroethanoic acid) is an analogue of acetic acid in which the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have all been replaced by chlorine atoms. Salts and esters of trichloroacetic acid are called trichloroacetates.

Synthesis

Trichloroacetic acid was discovered by Jean-Baptiste Dumas in 1830. It is prepared by the reaction of chlorine with acetic acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as red phosphorus. This reaction is Hell–Volhard–Zelinsky halogenation. Another route to trichloroacetic acid is the oxidation of trichloroacetaldehyde.

Use

It is widely used in biochemistry for the precipitation of macromolecules, such as proteins, DNA, and RNA. TCA and DCA are both used in cosmetic treatments (such as chemical peels and tattoo removal) and as topical medication for chemoablation of warts, including genital warts. It can kill normal cells as well. It is considered safe for use for this purpose during pregnancy. The sodium salt (sodium trichloroacetate) was used as an herbicide starting in the 1950s but regulators removed it from the market in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Environmental and health concerns

According to the European Chemicals Agency, "This substance causes severe skin burns and eye damage, is very toxic to aquatic life and has long lasting toxic effects."

History

The discovery of trichloroacetic acid by Jean-Baptiste Dumas in 1839 delivered a striking example to the slowly evolving theory of organic radicals and valences. The theory was contrary to the beliefs of Jöns Jakob Berzelius, starting a long dispute between Dumas and Berzelius.

Popular culture

In the 1958 film The Blob, a bottle of trichloroacetic acid is tossed at the Blob in a futile attempt to fend it off.