Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, particularly in the preparation of trichloroacetamidines and other nitrogen-containing compounds. It serves as a key reagent in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals due to its ability to introduce the trichloroacetamidine functional group. Its high reactivity makes it valuable in the formation of heterocyclic compounds and in glycosylation reactions, where it acts as a glycosyl donor activator. Commonly employed in the development of protected amino sugars and nucleoside analogs. Due to its sensitivity to moisture, it is typically handled under anhydrous conditions in controlled environments.