Chloroacetic acid is widely used in the production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a key ingredient in detergents, textiles, and food products. It serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various herbicides, such as 2,4-D and MCPA, which are essential in agriculture for weed control. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is utilized to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other medicinal compounds. Additionally, chloroacetic acid is employed in the production of thioglycolic acid, which is crucial in cosmetics for hair perming and depilatory formulations. Its role in organic synthesis extends to the creation of dyes, surfactants, and plastic additives, making it a versatile chemical in industrial applications.