Similar term(s): bichloroacetic acid, Urner's liquid, DCAA, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, dichloroethanoic acid, DCA.
CHCl2COOH. A haloacetic acid (organic). A colourless liquid with a pungent odour. Dichloroacetic acid is an irritant and corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the vapour may lead to a sore throat and cause fluid to fill the lungs (pulmonary oedema). Dichloroacetic acid is also corrosive on ingestion. Exposure to large amounts may result in death.
Source: GreenFacts
Dichloroacetic acid is produced commercially in small quantities for use in the manufacturing of some chemicals. In the environment, very small quantities of dichloroacetic acid is found in chlorinated drinking water as a disinfection by product as a consequence of the reaction of chlorine with natural organic matter and bromide ions in the raw water supply (from lake, reservoirs, rivers etc).
Bromide - Chlorine - Haloacetic acids - Natural organic matter - Trichloroacetic acid - Water disinfection by-product(s)