Ethoxyacetic acid

Chemical properties

liquid

The Uses of Ethoxyacetic acid

Ethoxyacetic acid is used to evaluate toxicity in embryonic stem cell test in mice. It finds application as a biomarker of exposure to alkyl-substituted ethylene glycols and other aliphatic ethers. It is used as a precursor to prepare ethoxy-acetic acid ethoxymethyl ester.

Definition

ChEBI: Ethoxyacetic acid is a carboxylic acid.

General Description

Liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

An ether and organic acid. 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. Carboxylic acids, like other acids, react with cyanide salts to generate 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.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Ethoxyacetic acid is corrosive.

Fire Hazard

Ethoxyacetic acid is combustible.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Ethoxyacetic acid induces testicular toxicity in rats in vivo .

Safety Profile

Experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.