What is "dichloroacetic acid"

n. (context organic compound English) An analogue of acetic acid in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group are replaced by chlorine.

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA), sometimes called bichloroacetic acid (BCA), is the chemical compound with formula . It is an acid, an analogue of acetic acid, in which 2 of the 3 hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. Like the other chloroacetic acids, it has various practical applications. The salts and esters of dichloroacetic acid are called dichloroacetates. Salts of DCA have been studied as potential drugs because they inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase.

Although preliminary studies have shown DCA can slow the growth of certain tumors in animal studies and in vitro studies, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of DCA for cancer treatment.