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Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA): A Guide to Properties, Industrial Applications, and Safety Standards
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), known systematically as 2,2,2-trichloroethanoic acid and chemically represented as $CCl_3COOH$, is a cornerstone reagent in chemical synthesis, dermatological medicine, and biochemical research. Often misinterpreted as merely a “skin peel agent,” its utility spans across international industrial sectors, from the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates to the manufacturing of specialized cleaning agents and protein precipitation protocols.
At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we provide high-purity chemical reagents tailored for industrial and laboratory research. This guide offers an exhaustive look into TCA, its variants, and a roadmap for sourcing essential chemicals globally.
Trichloroacetic acid is a derivative of acetic acid where three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group are replaced by chlorine atoms. This substitution significantly increases its acidity compared to its parent compound, acetic acid, due to the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the three chlorine atoms.
In the global market, it is frequently referred to as TCA, Acido tricloroacetico (Spanish), 三氯乙酸 (Chinese), or Трихлоруксусная кислота (Russian).
In proteomics, TCA is the gold standard for precipitating proteins from dilute solutions. By lowering the pH, TCA denatures proteins, causing them to unfold and aggregate, making them easily recoverable via centrifugation. It remains the preferred method over acetone or methanol precipitation in labs worldwide because it preserves specific protein yields effectively.
TCA is globally recognized in clinical dermatology for chemical peels. Depending on the concentration (10% to 50%), it is used to treat:
TCA acts as a catalyst in organic synthesis. It is a precursor for various pharmaceutical intermediates. It is often employed in the manufacturing of herbicides and in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds.
To understand TCA, it is essential to compare it with its counterparts:
TCA is a strong acid and a corrosive substance. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
For more safety data, refer to the PubChem entry for Trichloroacetic Acid.
For researchers and businesses looking for high-quality chemical reagents, ChemicalsSuppliers.com acts as a global gateway. Below is a curated list of related chemicals and how to find them on our platform.
All prices fluctuate based on market demand, purity grade (ACS/USP/Technical), and quantity.
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Typical Use | Est. Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trichloroacetic Acid | 76-03-9 | Reagent/Peels | $45/500g |
| Acetic Acid (Glacial) | 64-19-7 | Solvent/Synthesis | $25/L |
| Formic Acid | 64-18-6 | Reducing Agent | $35/L |
| Trifluoroacetic Acid | 76-05-1 | Peptide Synthesis | $85/100g |
| Monochloroacetic Acid | 79-11-8 | Herbicide Intermediate | $40/kg |
| Dichloroacetic Acid | 79-43-6 | Organic Synthesis | $60/500g |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 7647-01-0 | Acidification | $20/L |
| Sulfuric Acid | 7664-93-9 | Catalyst | $25/L |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 1310-73-2 | Neutralizer | $15/kg |
| Acetone | 67-64-1 | Solvent | $18/L |
| Ethanol (Absolute) | 64-17-5 | Solvent/Reagent | $30/L |
| Methanol | 67-56-1 | Solvent | $22/L |
| Acetonitrile | 75-05-8 | HPLC Analysis | $55/L |
| Benzene | 71-43-2 | Synthesis | $45/L |
| Toluene | 108-88-3 | Solvent | $25/L |
| Chloroform | 67-66-3 | Solvent | $35/L |
| Dichloromethane | 75-09-2 | Extraction | $30/L |
| Formamide | 75-12-7 | Solvent | $38/L |
| Urea | 57-13-6 | Denaturant | $15/kg |
| Guanidine HCl | 50-01-1 | Protein Extraction | $65/kg |
| Citric Acid | 77-92-9 | Acidulant | $12/kg |
| Oxalic Acid | 144-62-7 | Cleaning Agent | $20/kg |
| Nitric Acid | 7697-37-2 | Oxidizer | $40/L |
| Phosphoric Acid | 7664-38-2 | Synthesis | $25/L |
| Ethyl Acetate | 141-78-6 | Solvent | $25/L |
| DMSO | 67-68-5 | Solvent/Cryo | $40/L |
| Glycerol | 56-81-5 | Stabilizer | $20/L |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | 67-63-0 | Disinfectant | $15/L |
| Phenol | 108-95-2 | Synthesis | $40/kg |
| Aniline | 62-53-3 | Dye Intermediate | $45/L |
| Pyridine | 110-86-1 | Solvent | $50/L |
| DMF | 68-12-2 | Polar Solvent | $45/L |
| THF | 109-99-9 | Solvent | $50/L |
| Hexane | 110-54-3 | Chromatography | $35/L |
| Heptane | 142-82-5 | Extraction | $35/L |
| Xylene | 1330-20-7 | Solvent | $30/L |
| Diethyl Ether | 60-29-7 | Solvent | $55/L |
| Potassium Hydroxide | 1310-58-3 | Base/Reagent | $20/kg |
| Calcium Carbonate | 471-34-1 | Filler | $10/kg |
| Magnesium Sulfate | 7487-88-9 | Desiccant | $12/kg |
| Boric Acid | 10043-35-3 | Synthesis | $18/kg |
| Ammonium Chloride | 12125-02-9 | Buffer | $15/kg |
| Silver Nitrate | 7761-88-8 | Analytical | $250/100g |
| Iodine Crystals | 7553-56-2 | Reagent | $80/100g |
| Potassium Permanganate | 7722-64-7 | Oxidizer | $25/kg |
| Ferric Chloride | 7705-08-0 | Flocculant | $20/kg |
| Copper Sulfate | 7758-98-7 | Synthesis | $18/kg |
| Zinc Chloride | 7646-85-7 | Catalyst | $22/kg |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | 144-55-8 | Neutralizer | $10/kg |
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | Preservative | $25/L |
Visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com to request a custom quote for bulk orders or specific purity requirements.
To assist our international clients, we provide the following terminology guide. Whether you are searching for TCA in Asia, Europe, or the Americas, knowing the standard local names is vital.
We understand that scientists and industrial purchasers require more than just a product; they require reliability, traceability, and high purity.
Q: Can TCA be used for at-home skin treatments? A: While available in some cosmetic kits, high-concentration TCA is a potent chemical and should only be handled by trained medical professionals to avoid permanent scarring or chemical burns.
Q: What is the shelf life of Trichloroacetic Acid? A: TCA is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). When stored in an airtight, light-resistant container in a cool, dry place, it can last for 2-3 years.
Q: How do I store TCA? A: Keep in a glass or fluorinated HDPE container. Ensure the lid is tightly sealed. Avoid storing near incompatible materials such as strong bases or oxidizing agents.
Trichloroacetic Acid is a versatile and indispensable tool in modern science and industry. From the precision of protein electrophoresis to the clinical applications of dermatology, its chemical properties provide unique solutions to complex problems. At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we remain committed to being your primary partner in the global supply of high-purity chemical reagents.
Explore our extensive Catalog today to find the chemicals you need to drive your research and productivity forward.
All chemicals should be handled by trained professionals. Please consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use. Chemicalssuppliers.com is not liable for accidents or misuse of products provided.
For further reading on organic acid chemistry, visit the American Chemical Society (ACS). For global safety standards, refer to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).
