monochloroacetic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency; specialized technical term)Technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “monochloroacetic acid” mean?
A chlorinated derivative of acetic acid where one hydrogen atom is replaced by chlorine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chlorinated derivative of acetic acid where one hydrogen atom is replaced by chlorine.
A corrosive organic acid used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, herbicide production, and biochemical research (e.g., in protein precipitation).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Potential minor spelling preference for 'sulph-' in related compounds in British English, but 'chloro-' is consistent.
Connotations
Exclusively technical with strong connotations of laboratory use, chemical hazard, and industrial processes.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside chemistry, biochemistry, and related industrial contexts. Frequency is identical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “monochloroacetic acid” in a Sentence
[substance] is alkylated with monochloroacetic acid[agent] reacts with monochloroacetic acid to form [product]The preparation of [compound] involves monochloroacetic acid.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monochloroacetic acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The monochloroacetic acid solution required careful handling.
American English
- The monochloroacetic acid reagent was stored in a vented cabinet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Might appear in chemical supply catalogues or industrial production reports.
Academic
Common in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use: laboratory protocols, chemical patents, safety data sheets, and industrial process descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monochloroacetic acid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monochloroacetic acid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monochloroacetic acid”
- Misspelling as 'monochloracetic acid' (dropping the 'o').
- Confusing it with 'dichloroacetic acid' or 'trichloroacetic acid', which have different properties.
- Using it without appropriate hazard context (it is corrosive and toxic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and requires proper safety equipment and handling procedures.
Its main uses are as an intermediate in the production of herbicides (e.g., 2,4-D), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and other chemicals, and as a reagent in biochemical laboratories.
The chlorine atom makes it much more reactive and acidic than acetic acid, and also introduces significant toxicity and corrosivity.
In precise chemical communication, no, as 'chloroacetic acid' can be ambiguous. In specific industrial contexts where only the mono-substituted compound is discussed, it might be shortened informally.
A chlorinated derivative of acetic acid where one hydrogen atom is replaced by chlorine.
Monochloroacetic acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Monochloroacetic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒnə(ʊ)ˌklɔːrəʊəˈsiːtɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːnoʊˌklɔːroʊəˈsiːtɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MONO (one) CHLORO (chlorine atom) ACETIC ACID. It's acetic acid with one chlorine swap.
Conceptual Metaphor
A tool/modifier: often conceptualized as an 'alkylating agent' or a 'building block' in synthetic pathways.
Practice
Quiz
Monochloroacetic acid is primarily classified as: