Trichloroacetates

Trichloroacetates are salts or esters of trichloroacetic acid, which has the chemical formula CCl₃COOH. In trichloroacetates, the hydrogen atom of the carboxylic acid group is replaced by a metal cation (in the case of salts) or an organic group (in the case of esters). The trichloroacetate anion, CCl₃COO⁻, is characterized by the presence of three chlorine atoms bonded to the alpha-carbon atom. This highly electronegative substitution significantly increases the acidity of the parent trichloroacetic acid compared to acetic acid.

Trichloroacetates find various applications in chemistry and biology. For instance, trichloroacetic acid itself is a strong acid used as a precipitating agent for proteins and nucleic acids in biochemical research and as a chemical peeling agent in dermatology. Its salts, such as sodium trichloroacetate, can also be used in similar analytical procedures. Trichloroacetate esters, while less common, can serve as protecting groups in organic synthesis or as intermediates in the production of other chemicals.

Environmentally, trichloroacetate is a persistent degradation product of some herbicides, notably the phenoxy herbicides like 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Its presence in water bodies can be an indicator of past herbicide use. Due to its persistence, trichloroacetate can accumulate in the environment and has been subject to environmental monitoring.