Dichloroacetic acid

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA), sometimes called bichloroacetic acid (BCA), is the chemical compound with formula CHCl

2COOH. It is an acid, an analogue of acetic acid, in which 2 of the 3 hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. Like the other chloroacetic acids, it has various practical applications. The salts and esters of dichloroacetic acid are called dichloroacetates. Salts of DCA have been studied as potential drugs because they inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase.

IUPAC name

Dichloroacetic acid

Other names

Dichloroethanoic acid, bichloroacetic acid, DCA, BCA, dichloracetic acid, bichloracetic acid

Chemical formula

C₂H₂Cl₂O₂
Molar mass. 128.94 g·mol⁻¹
Appearance. Colorless liquid
Density1.5634 g/cm³(20 °C) Melting point 9 to 11 °C (48 to 52 °F; 282 to 284 K)
Boiling point 194 °C (381 °F; 467 K)

Solubility in water

miscibleSolubilitymiscible with ethanol, diethyl etherAcidity (pK_a)1.35

Therapeutic uses

Topical chemoablation
Lactic acidosis
Cancer
Neuropathy
Heart failure