What is "bromoacetic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) The brominated derivative of acetic acid CH₂Br-COOH that is used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals etc.

Bromoacetic acid is the chemical compound with the formula CHBrCOH. This colorless solid is a relatively strong alkylating agent. Bromoacetic acid and its esters are widely used building blocks in organic synthesis, for example in pharmaceutical chemistry.

The compound is prepared by bromination of acetic acid.

CHCOOH + Br → CHBrCOOH + HBr

It can also be prepared by the Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky process:

CHCOOH + Br + Red Phosphorus → CHBrCOOH