A white or colorless solid, it is used as a drug and a synthetic intermediate.

The compound is produced by the hydrochlorination of acrylic acid.

[3] It is also an active ingredient in some herbicide blends.

[5] It has been demonstrated that the substance can be broken down by both bacteria and fungi as a means of bioremediation.

[6][4] This drug article relating to the nervous system is a stub.