.png)
Originally published on High Mountain Chem Blog
If you source monochloroacetic acid (MCA) for your production line — whether for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), agrochemical intermediates, or pharmaceutical synthesis — you already know that quality and supply consistency matter more than price alone.
A single off-spec shipment can shut down your reactor. A supply disruption can idle your plant for weeks. Choosing the right MCA supplier isn't a purchasing decision — it's a production decision.
This guide covers everything a global buyer needs to know about monochloroacetic acid: specifications, applications, packaging options, export compliance, and how to evaluate China-based suppliers.
Monochloroacetic acid (MCA), also known as chloroacetic acid, is an organochlorine compound with the formula ClCH₂COOH. It is a versatile chemical intermediate used across multiple industries, from agrochemicals to pharmaceuticals to water treatment polymers.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS No. | 79-11-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₃ClO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 94.50 g/mol |
| HS Code | 2915.40 |
| UN Number | 1750 (corrosive solid) |
| Appearance | Colorless to white crystalline solid (flakes or powder) |
| Grade | Purity | Typical Form | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Purity | 99.0% min | Flakes (typically 1–4 mm) | Pharmaceuticals, high-grade CMC, specialty chemicals |
| Standard Technical | 97.5% min | Flakes or powder | Agrochemicals, CMC, detergents, textile auxiliaries |
| Low Purity | 95.0–96.0% | Powder or granules | Low-end CMC, water treatment, leather processing |
When evaluating MCA, these specifications matter most:
CMC consumes approximately 40–45% of global MCA production. MCA reacts with cellulose under alkaline conditions to produce CMC, a widely used thickener, stabilizer, and binder in:
MCA is a key starting material for several important herbicides and plant growth regulators:
MCA is used to synthesize a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs):
| Parameter | MCA Flakes | MCA Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Particle size | 1–4 mm (typical) | < 0.5 mm (80–100 mesh) |
| Bulk density | ~0.8–0.9 g/cm³ | ~0.6–0.7 g/cm³ |
| Hygroscopicity | Lower — flows freely longer | Higher — cakes faster in humid conditions |
| Dissolution rate | Slower | Faster |
| Preferred for | CMC production, general chemical synthesis | Fast-dissolving processes, fine chemical reactions |
| Dust generation | Minimal | Higher — requires dust control measures |
Recommendation: For most industrial buyers, flakes are the better choice due to easier handling, lower caking risk, and reduced dust. Powder is preferred only when dissolution speed is critical and humidity-controlled storage is available.
| Packaging Type | Net Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 25 kg multi-layer paper/PE bag | 25 kg | Small to medium buyers, easy handling |
| 500 kg jumbo bag | 500 kg | Medium to large volume, less handling |
| 1000 kg jumbo bag | 1000 kg | Large volume production, cost-optimized |
| IBC totes (500/1000 L) | Custom | Melted MCA or solution for direct feed |
| Drums (50/200 kg) | 50/200 kg | Specialty applications, re-closable |
All packaging should include inner PE liner for moisture protection. Polypropylene woven bags with PE lining are the industry standard for container shipping — typically 20 MT per 20' FCL without pallets, 18 MT with pallets.
MCA is registered under EU REACH. As a China exporter, you must ensure your supplier has a valid REACH registration or OR (Only Representative) for the EU market. Verify the registration number and tonnage band — full registration is required for volumes above 1000 MT/year.
Turkey's chemical regulation (KKDIK) mirrors EU REACH. MCA must be registered under KKDIK for export to Turkey. Pre-registration deadlines have passed; late registrations still possible through OR representation.
China produces over 60% of the world's monochloroacetic acid, primarily in Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces. Here's how to evaluate potential suppliers:
Top suppliers have their own acetic acid or chlorine supply. Backward integration means better pricing stability and fewer disruption risks. Ask about their acetic acid sourcing arrangements.
Modern MCA production uses continuous acetic acid chlorination with controlled reaction conditions. Older batch processes yield less consistent quality. Ask about their production process — continuous vs. batch — and PPA (perfluoroalkyl) byproduct management.
Request COAs for the last 5–10 production lots. Look for tight specification ranges, not just minimums. A good supplier will consistently deliver 99.2–99.5% purity, not 99.0–99.5%.
Ask for:
A reliable supplier should provide:
Standard container loading is 18–20 MT per 20' FCL. Typical lead time from confirmed order is 15–20 days for FCL quantities. Ask about detention/demurrage policies and whether they handle freight forwarding or require FOB.
The best China suppliers assign a dedicated export manager to each overseas account. You should have a single point of contact for orders, regulatory documentation, and any quality inquiries.
Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Development Co., Ltd. has been supplying monochloroacetic acid to global markets since 1992. Our MCA is produced at ISO 9001 certified facilities with continuous process technology ensuring consistent 99%+ purity.
The 99% grade has tighter controls on dichloroacetic acid (DCA) and other chlorinated impurities, making it suitable for pharmaceutical and high-end CMC applications. The 97.5% grade is cost-optimized for agrochemicals and industrial CMC where trace impurities don't affect the final product.
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area below 40°C. Keep containers sealed to prevent moisture absorption. MCA is corrosive — approved PPE (goggles, gloves, acid-resistant clothing) is required for handling.
Properly stored (sealed, dry, < 40°C), MCA has a shelf life of 12 months from manufacture. After opening, use within 3 months and re-seal tightly.
Yes. Sample orders (5–25 kg) can be arranged by courier. COA and SDS are provided with the sample.
Yes. Our MCA is fully REACH registered. We provide complete REACH documentation with exports to EU member states.
Contact us for a quotation, specification sheet, or sample.
Email: harold@high-mountain.cn
WhatsApp: +86-13382223993
Product Page: Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA)
Request a Quote: Contact Form
.png)
.png)
.png)
