Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It participates in the preparation of herbicides and plant growth regulators due to its reactivity with amine and alcohol functional groups. Its chloro and hydroxyl substituents allow for selective derivatization, making it valuable in constructing complex aromatic molecules. Also employed in the development of dyes and UV stabilizers for polymers, where its acyl chloride group enables incorporation into larger conjugated systems.