7. Applications
• Monochloroacetic acid (MCA) is used to make surfactants, particularly
mild betaine amphoteric surfactants. Heating MCA with sodium or
potassium hydrogen sulphide produces thioglycolic acid. Thioglycolic
acid and its derivatives are used in the production of hair care products,
such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks.
• MCA is also required in the pharmaceuticals sector for the production
of ibuprofen/brufen, diclofenac sodium, caffeine, vitamins (e.g. vitamin
B), glycine, N-(P-hydroxyphenyl)-glycine (METOL), and maleates.