Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a building block for the production of tranquilizers and sedatives, particularly in the manufacture of certain barbiturates. Also employed in the preparation of esters used as plasticizers and in the development of biocides. Its reactivity makes it valuable in organic synthesis for introducing chlorinated functional groups. Additionally, it has been used in research settings as a solvent or reagent in controlled reactions.