Abstract

Chloroacetyl chloride is a versatile bifunctional reagent widely employed in organic synthesis owing to the presence of both
an electrophilic acid chloride group and a reactive α-chloromethylene moiety. Its unique reactivity enables efficient acylation,
nucleophilic substitution, and cyclization reactions, making it an indispensable building block for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals,
agrochemicals, fine chemicals, and functional materials. This review summarizes the physicochemical properties, reaction
mechanisms, and general synthetic applications of chloroacetyl chloride, with particular emphasis on its role in the construction
of biologically important heterocycles, including thiazoles, benzothiazoles, oxazoles, benzimidazoles, and oxadiazoles. The
medicinal significance of chloroacetyl chloride-derived compounds and recent advances in green chemistry, microwave￾assisted synthesis, and continuous-flow methodologies are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives highlighting sustainable
synthetic strategies and emerging technologies are presented. This review provides a concise overview of the synthetic utility of
chloroacetyl chloride and its continuing importance in modern organic and medicinal chemistry.