Chloromethyl refers to a chemical group that consists of a carbon atom bonded to a chlorine atom and a methyl group (–CH2Cl). This functional group is often used in organic chemistry to create various compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The presence of chlorine can influence the reactivity and properties of the molecules it is part of. In chemical reactions, chloromethyl groups can participate in nucleophilic substitution, where the chlorine atom is replaced by other atoms or groups. This makes chloromethyl compounds valuable intermediates in synthesizing more complex molecules, contributing to advancements in fields like medicinal chemistry and materials science.