Trichloro Acetic Acid, Extra Pure

Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) is an efficient organic acid with the chemical formula CCl₃COOH. It is an excellent precipitating and denaturing agent. This is extra pure chemical which is crystallised and hygroscopic in nature. It’s found its application in various life science domains such as biochemical research, molecular biology, histology, and clinical diagnosis. It is very soluble and stable at ambient temperatures.

In protein biochemistry, Trichloroacetic acid is widely applied for the precipitation of proteins from cell lysates, biological fluids, and other multicompartmental matrices. This allows for more convenient downstream analysis in mass spectrometry, enzyme tests, and electrophoresis. It is able to cause irreversible denaturation of proteins while preserving amino acid composition, which makes it an essential reagent for biomolecule purification and quantification.

In clinical laboratories it is used to deproteinise biological samples before analysis of small molecules like amino acids, peptides, and hormones. The protein extraction step increases accuracy and reproducibility in diagnostic testing. In histology testing procedures, Trichloroacetic Acid works as a fixative, preserving tissue structure by denaturing cellular components and preventing disintegration.

Trichloroacetic acid is also significant in the purification of nucleic acids. It is applied to precipitate nucleic acids, especially to extract DNA and RNA from diluted solutions. It purifies nucleic acids by inducing aggregation and precipitation at low temperatures. This is one among the highly successful methods.

Trichloroacetic acid finds its application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its keratolytic activity. It is used as a chemical peel and for wart treatments. It is industrially applied as a chlorinating agent and an intermediate in organic chemical production.

The pure grade of Trichloroacetic acid allows for consistent reactivity and minimum contamination, which are essential for delicate tests and formulations. It is toxic and corrosive; therefore, precautions like the use of fume hoods, gloves, and safety glasses should be taken while dealing with it.