Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the production of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. It serves as a key building block in the development of phenylacetic acid derivatives, which are structurally related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its chlorinated aromatic structure enhances its reactivity and selectivity in various coupling and substitution reactions, making it valuable in medicinal chemistry for optimizing drug potency and metabolic stability. Additionally, it has been explored in agrochemical research for the design of bioactive molecules with potential pesticidal or herbicidal activity.