Mucochloric acid

Mucochloric acid is an organic compound with the formula. It consists of a dichlorinated alkene bearing aldehyde and carboxylic acid functional groups. It is the chlorinated analog of mucobromic acid and one of the known mucohalic acids. Mucochloric acid exists in equilibrium between open-chain and cyclic forms, analogous to mucobromic acid. Mucochloric acid occurs as a chlorine disinfection byproduct in drinking water.

Synthesis

Mucochloric acid can be prepared by chlorination of furfural or related compounds such as furoic acid.

Applications

Due to its reactive chlorine atoms, double bond, and carbonyl groups, mucochloric acid serves as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, including for substituted furanones and other heterocycles.

Safety

Mucochloric acid is corrosive and toxic. It exhibits mutagenic and genotoxic activity.