Chloroacetic acid is a chlorocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid carrying a 2-chloro substituent. It has a role as an alkylating agent and a herbicide. It is a chlorocarboxylic acid and a haloacetic acid. It derives from an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a chloroacetate. Chloroacetic acid, solid is a colorless to light-brown crystalline material. It is soluble in water and sinks in water. Combustible. It is transported as a molten liquid and therefore can cause thermal burns. It is toxic by ingestion, skin absorption and inhalation of dust. It is corrosive to metals and tissue.

For the determination of zinc, calcium, silicon and titanium.For the synthesis of caffeine, adrenaline, glycine and naphthaleneacetic acid.For the manufacture of various dyes and as a rust remover.Used in the production of pesticides and as an intermediate for organic synthesis.Used as an acidulant for starch adhesives.Also serves as an intermediate for dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, synthetic resins and other organic synthetic materials.In the dye industry, it is used in the production of indigo dye.Chloroacetic acid is also an important carboxymethylating agent, used in the preparation of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), etc.It is also used as a flotation agent for non-ferrous metals and a reagent for chromatographic analysis.