Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA): Complete Guide for Global Buyers

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.

What Is Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA)?

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.

MCA Specifications: What to Look For

Standard Industrial Grades

Key Quality Parameters

When evaluating MCA, these specifications matter most:

• Purity (assay): Verify by titration or HPLC. For 99% grade, your contract should specify 99.0% min with GC/HPLC certificate.
• Free chlorine: Should be below 0.05%. High free chlorine indicates side-reaction products that can interfere with downstream synthesis.
• Moisture content: Typically ≤ 0.5%. Higher moisture causes caking and can degrade the product during storage.
• Dichloroacetic acid (DCA): A common impurity. Premium grades contain ≤ 0.2% DCA. High DCA affects reaction selectivity in sensitive applications.
• Iron content: Should be ≤ 10 ppm for most applications. Lower is better for pharmaceutical use.
• Appearance: Uniform white or near-white flakes or powder. Yellowing indicates oxidation or contamination.

Major Applications of Monochloroacetic Acid

1. Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) – The Largest Market

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:

• Food and beverages (E466)
• Detergents (anti-redeposition agent)
• Oil drilling fluids (fluid loss control)
• Paper and textile processing
• Pharmaceutical excipients

2. Agrochemicals – Pesticide Intermediates

MCA is a key starting material for several important herbicides and plant growth regulators:

• 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid): One of the world’s most widely used herbicides. MCA reacts with 2,4-dichlorophenol to produce 2,4-D.
• Glyphosate intermediate: MCA is used in the glyphosate production chain (via the IDA route), one of the largest agrochemical processes globally.
• MCPA, MCPB, 2,4-DB: Other phenoxy herbicides derived from MCA.
• Plant growth regulators: Including naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and other auxin-type regulators.

3. Pharmaceutical Intermediates

MCA is used to synthesize a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs):

• Thioglycolic acid and its esters (used in hair care and pharmaceutical synthesis)
• Caffeine synthesis
• Barbiturate intermediates
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Vitamin B6 intermediates

4. Surfactants and Specialty Chemicals

• Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) for personal care
• Amphoteric surfactants
• Chelating agents (e.g., EDTA)
• Thioglycolic acid (for cosmetics and leather)

Physical Forms: Flakes vs Powder

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 Options

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.

Export Compliance: REACH, KKDIK, and Global Regulations

EU REACH

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 KKDIK

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.

Other Key Regulations

• United States (TSCA): MCA is listed on the TSCA inventory. No additional registration required for standard commercial use.
• China (CSCL / MEE Order 12): As a domestically produced chemical, MCA is already registered under China’s chemical management system. Exporters can provide the registration certificate.
• Japan (CSCL/ISHL): MCA is registered under Japan’s Chemical Substances Control Law. Confirm with your Japanese importer for reporting obligations.
• South Korea (K-REACH): MCA requires K-REACH registration for export to Korea. Verify your Korean importer has the required registration or use an OR.

Required Shipping Documentation

• MSDS (SDS) in accordance with GHS Rev. 7
• Certificate of Analysis (COA) with batch-specific data
• Packing list and commercial invoice
• Bill of lading
• Origin certificate (for tariff preference if applicable)
• IMO/IMDG classification documentation for sea freight

How to Choose a Reliable China MCA Supplier

China produces over 60% of the world’s monochloroacetic acid, primarily in Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu provinces. Here’s how to evaluate potential suppliers:

1. Production Scale and Raw Material Backward Integration

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.

2. Process Technology

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.

3. Quality Consistency Track Record

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%.

4. Export Experience

Ask for:

• Export destinations (REACH-registered? KKDIK-compliant?)
• Annual export volume (MT/year)
• Container loading experience (20′ FCL / 40′ FCL)
• Port of loading (Qingdao, Tianjin, Shanghai)

5. Regulatory Compliance Support

A reliable supplier should provide:

• REACH registration certificate (if exporting to EU)
• KKDIK registration or OR documentation (for Turkey)
• Complete GHS-compliant SDS in your language
• Certificate of origin
• Sample COA with each shipment

6. Logistics and Lead Time

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.

7. After-Sales Support

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.

Why Wuxi High Mountain for MCA?

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.

• Specifications: MCA 99% min flakes, MCA 97.5% min technical grade, powder upon request
• Packaging: 25 kg bags, 1000 kg jumbo bags, drum options
• Export compliance: REACH, KKDIK, TSCA – documentation provided with every shipment
• Loading port: Qingdao, Tianjin, Shanghai
• Annual export volume: 5000+ MT to 50+ countries
• Lead time: 15–20 days from order confirmation

FAQs

What is the difference between MCA 99% and 97.5% grades?

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.

How should MCA be stored?

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.

What is the shelf life of MCA?

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.

Can I order a sample before bulk purchase?

Yes. Sample orders (5–25 kg) can be arranged by courier. COA and SDS are provided with the sample.

Does Wuxi High Mountain offer MCA for the European market?

Yes. Our MCA is fully REACH registered. We provide complete REACH documentation with exports to EU member states.

Ready to Source MCA?

Contact us for a quotation, specification sheet, or sample.

Email: harold@high-mountain.cn
WhatsApp: +86-13382223993
Product Page: Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA)
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