What is "chloroacetaldehyde"

Chloroacetaldehyde is the organic compound with the formula ClCHCHO. Like some related compounds, it is highly electrophilic reagent and a potentially dangerous alkylating agent. The compound is not normally encountered in the anhydrous form, but rather as the hydrate ( acetal), ClCHCH(OH). Chloroacetaldehyde is a useful intermediate in the synthesis, e.g. of 2-aminothiazole or many pharmaceutical compounds. Another use is to facilitate bark removal from tree trunks.