Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid
Dichloroacetic acid (pronunciation: dye-klor-oh-uh-see-tik as-id), often abbreviated DCA, is a chemical compound with the formula CHCl2COOH. It is an acid, an organic compound, and a chlorocarbon. It is a colorless, corrosive liquid which has a sharp, pungent odor.
Etymology
The term "Dichloroacetic acid" is derived from its chemical structure. The prefix "di-" comes from Greek, meaning "two", referring to the two chlorine atoms. "Chloro" refers to the element chlorine, "acetic" refers to the acetic acid structure (CH3COOH), and "acid" denotes its acidic properties.
Chemical properties
Dichloroacetic acid is a halogenated compound, specifically a chlorinated derivative of acetic acid. It is a strong acid due to the electron-withdrawing inductive effect of the two chlorine atoms. DCA is highly soluble in water and organic solvents.
Uses
Dichloroacetic acid has been used in medical research for its potential therapeutic applications. It has been studied for use in cancer treatment, as it can inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, potentially slowing the growth of cancer cells. However, its use is not without controversy due to potential side effects and toxicity.
Related terms
- Acetic acid
- Chlorine
- Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase
- Halogenated compound
- Organic compound
- Chlorocarbon
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dichloroacetic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Dichloroacetic acid
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