Trichloroacetic Acid, also known as TCA, is a monocarboxylic acid. Structurally, it is acetic acid in which all three hydrogens on the methyl group have been substituted with chlorine atoms. It is a water-soluble, colorless, crystalline solid.
Trichloroacetic Acid is used in the cosmetic industry as a chemical peel and wart remover. It is also used in biochemistry to help the precipitation of macromolecules.
Higher strengths of Trichloroacetic Acid are often used for dilution. Superficial TCA peels are up to 20 percent strength and can be performed every few months. Peels at 50 percent strength should be performed only in a doctor's office and are often done under general anesthesia.
Trichloroacetic Acid, 85% is a monocarboxylic acid, also known as TCA. Structurally it’s acetic acid with all three hydrogens on the methyl group swapped for chlorine atoms, and it dissolves in water. This version is a Lab Grade liquid with an assay of 84 to 86%, CAS 76-03-9. It’s sold for laboratory, industrial and professional use only. Because the strength is high, it’s often chosen as a stock that gets diluted down. Documents are right on the page: the Safety Data Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, Certificates of Analysis, and declarations covering allergens, BPA, PFAS and PFOS, irradiation, TSE and BSE, and animal testing.
TCA shows up in two main places: as a laboratory reagent in organic synthesis, and in biochemistry, where it helps precipitate macromolecules. Either way, you need the right strength and paperwork you can trust. A missing SDS or a supplier who can’t ship hazmat can stall a whole project. That’s where Lab Alley steps in. Your documents are available instantly on this page, sizes run from a 1oz bottle up to a 4 x 4L case, and hazmat handling is covered from our shelf to your door. Here’s the simple plan. Pick your size, set up Autoship if you reorder, or request a quote for larger volumes. You get it on budget, on time, every time.
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Laboratory reagent in organic synthesis
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Precipitating biochemical macromolecules
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Stock solution for dilution to lower strengths
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General laboratory research use
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Professional and industrial use
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Q: What is Trichloroacetic Acid, 85% used for?
A: It’s used as a laboratory reagent in organic synthesis and in biochemistry to help precipitate macromolecules. At this strength, it’s often used as a stock that gets diluted. Lab Alley supplies it for laboratory, industrial and professional use only and doesn’t provide usage instructions.Q: What does Lab Grade mean, and is it suitable for laboratory reagent use?
A: Lab Grade is the grade listed for this product, and it’s meant for general laboratory work. It isn’t listed as ACS, USP or FCC, so if your method calls for one of those, check the Technical Data Sheet and a Certificate of Analysis first.Q: What sizes are available, and does it ship as hazmat?
A: You can choose 1oz, 2oz, 4oz, 500ml and 4L, plus a 4 x 4L case. It ships as hazmat, and the DOT line on the page reads: “DOT: Trichloroacetic acid, solution, 8, UN2564, PG II”.Q: How do I get the SDS and Certificate of Analysis?
A: Scroll to Product Manuals on this page. The Safety Data Sheet and Technical Data Sheet are listed there, and the Certificates of Analysis have their own tab right beside it, listed by lot number.Q: How should it be stored?
A: The Safety Data Sheet has the storage guidance for this product, so follow it. As a general habit, keep acids in their original labeled container and store them apart from chemicals they shouldn’t mix with.Q: What is the concentration of this product?
A: The assay is 84 to 86%, and it’s supplied as a liquid. That matches the 85% in the product name.Q: What other documents come with this product?
A: Product Manuals also lists an Allergen Statement, BPA Statement, PFAS/PFOS Free Statement, irradiation statement, TSE/BSE Declaration and No Animal Testing Declaration.Q: Can I set up Autoship or order larger volumes?
A: Yes, Autoship is available on this page. For larger volumes, you can request a quote.
Product Information
| CAS | 76-03-9 |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Trichloroethanoic acid, TCA, Aceto-caustin, Trichloracetic acid, Trichloroacetate anion |
| Assay | 84 - 86% |
| PubChem ID | 6421 |
| Grade | Lab Grade |
| Color | Colorless to tan |
| Physical form | Liquid |
| Appearance | Colorless to tan liquid |
| Molecular formula | C2HCl3O2 |
| Molecular weight | 163.38 |
| Autoship Available | Yes |
| Pillar | Essential |
| Water | 14 - 16% |
