Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its reactivity allows for the introduction of pyrrole-based structures into larger molecules, which is valuable in developing bioactive compounds. It also serves in the preparation of specialty chemicals where chlorinated acetyl groups are needed for further functionalization. Due to the trichloroacetyl group, it can act as a building block in heterocyclic chemistry, enabling the construction of complex ring systems used in medicinal chemistry research.