Chloroacetic

/klɔːroʊəˈsɛtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or denoting chloroacetic acid (ClCH₂COOH), a halogenated carboxylic acid used in organic synthesis.

Etymology

From chloro- (chlorine) + acetic (from acetic acid, from Latin acetum 'vinegar'), describing the acid containing both chlorine and the acetic structure.

Kelly Says

Chloroacetic acid is a chemical Swiss Army knife in synthesis—its extreme reactivity makes it perfect for building complex molecules, and it was one of the first halogenated organic acids to be understood by chemists.

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