General Description
A colorless crystalline solid. May be toxic by ingestion. Used to make other chemicals.
Reactivity Profile
FLUOROACETIC ACID(144-49-0) is a halogenated carboxylic acid derivative. Carboxylic acids donate hydrogen ions if a base is present to accept them. They react in this way with all bases, both organic (for example, the amines) and inorganic. Their reactions with bases, called "neutralizations", are accompanied by the evolution of substantial amounts of heat. Neutralization between an acid and a base produces water plus a salt. Carboxylic acids with six or fewer carbon atoms are freely or moderately soluble in water; those with more than six carbons are slightly soluble in water. Soluble carboxylic acid dissociate to an extent in water to yield hydrogen ions. The pH of solutions of carboxylic acids is therefore less than 7.0. Many insoluble carboxylic acids react rapidly with aqueous solutions containing a chemical base and dissolve as the neutralization generates a soluble salt. Carboxylic acids in aqueous solution and liquid or molten carboxylic acids can react with active metals to form gaseous hydrogen and a metal salt. Such reactions occur in principle for solid carboxylic acids as well, but are slow if the solid acid remains dry. Even "insoluble" carboxylic acids may absorb enough water from the air and dissolve sufficiently in FLUOROACETIC ACID(144-49-0) to corrode or dissolve iron, steel, and aluminum parts and containers. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate gaseous hydrogen cyanide. The reaction is slower for dry, solid carboxylic acids. Insoluble carboxylic acids react with solutions of cyanides to cause the release of gaseous hydrogen cyanide. Flammable and/or toxic gases and heat are generated by the reaction of carboxylic acids with diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides. Carboxylic acids, especially in aqueous solution, also react with sulfites, nitrites, thiosulfates (to give H2S and SO3), dithionites (SO2), to generate flammable and/or toxic gases and heat. Their reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates generates a harmless gas (carbon dioxide) but still heat. Like other organic compounds, carboxylic acids can be oxidized by strong oxidizing agents and reduced by strong reducing agents. These reactions generate heat. A wide variety of products is possible. Like other acids, carboxylic acids may initiate polymerization reactions; like other acids, they often catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions.
Air & Water Reactions
Water soluble.
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion.
Health Hazard
This material is very toxic; ingestion of small quantities may cause death.
Potential Exposure
This material is used as a rodenticide
and a drug.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, FLUOROACETIC ACID emits highly toxic fumes of fluorine containing compounds. Some of these materials may burn but none ignite readily. These materials may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.).
First aid
Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency
medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not
breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim
ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration
with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way
valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and
isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. Keep victim warm
and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin
contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical
personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take
precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation is
recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexpo sure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for
pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may
consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.
Eyes: Remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate
immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting
upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash immedi ately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immedi ately. Inhaled: Remove from exposure, begin rescue
breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscita tion mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action
has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Swallowed: Get medical attention. Give large quantities of
water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious
person vomit. The symptoms of central nervous system;
cardiac, and renal failure do not become manifest until a
few hours have passed. Specific treatment is necessary in
case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate
means with instructions must be available.
Shipping
UN2642 Fluoroacetic acid, Hazard Class: 6.1;
Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates,
nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine,
bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explo sions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases,
strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Reacts with reducing
agents releasing flammable gas.
Description
Fluoroacetic acid is a colorless crystallinesolid. Molecular weight=78.05; Boiling point=165C;Freezing/Melting point=35C. Hazard Identification(based on NFPA-704 M Rating System): Health 3,Flammability 0, Reactivity 0. Soluble in water.
Chemical Properties
Colorless crystal.
Soluble in water and alcohol.
Chemical Properties
Fluoroacetic acid is a colorless crystalline
solid.
Waste Disposal
Use a licensed professional
waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve
or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in
a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and
scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regula tions must be observed.
Definition
ChEBI: A haloacetic acid that is acetic acid in which one of the methyl hydrogens is substituted by fluorine.
storage
Color Code—Blue: Health Hazard/Poison: Storein a secure poison location. Prior to working with thischemical you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, wellventilated area away from oxidizers.