Phenoxyacetic acid, POA, is a white solid with the formula of C8H8O3. Although not itself usefully active as an herbicide, it forms the part-structure of many phenoxy herbicide derivatives including MCPA and 2,4-D.
Structure and synthesis Phenoxyacetic acid is an O-phenyl derivative of glycolic acid. It is both a monocarboxylic acid and an aryl ether. Its preparation from sodium phenolate and sodium chloroacetate in hot water was first reported in 1880.
1) C6H5O−Na+ + ClCH2COO−Na+ → C6H5OCH2COO−Na+ + NaCl
2) C6H5OCH2COO−Na+ + HCl → C6H5OCH2COOH + NaCl
The phenolate anion reacts via nucleophilic attack on the methylene carbon of the chloroacetic acid, forming an ether bond.
Properties Phenoxyacetic acid is a white or clear crystalline compound at room temperature. When impure, it can appear to be a light tan to brown. The compound has a solubility in water of 12 g/L and is highly soluble in organic solvents including ethanol, diethyl ether and benzene. Phenoxyacetic acid is a weak acid and weak base with a pKa of 3.7.
Uses Phenoxyacetic acid has found minor uses as a food additive and perfume component and is categorised as "generally recognised as safe" in these applications.
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