Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. It plays a key role in the production of certain herbicides and insecticides due to its reactivity with hydroxyl and amino groups, enabling the formation of ester and amide bonds. Its high reactivity also makes it useful in organic synthesis for introducing dichloropropionyl groups into larger molecules. Due to its lachrymatory and corrosive nature, handling requires strict safety controls in industrial settings.