Ethyl chloroacetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pungent odor. Flash point 100°F. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.

Used as a raw material for pharmaceuticals and fragrances, also as a solvent and a raw material for organic synthesis.Ethyl chloroacetate can be used as a raw material for the production of the insecticide triazamate and the herbicide benazolin-ethyl.It is also used in the synthesis of the antitumor drug 5-fluorouracil and fragrances.