Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, this compound serves in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functionalized polymers. Its dual halogen functionality allows for selective substitution reactions, enabling the introduction of benzyl groups into complex molecules. It is also employed in the synthesis of quaternary ammonium salts and as a linker in cross-coupling reactions for building larger molecular architectures. Due to the reactivity of both bromo and chloro groups, it facilitates stepwise derivatization in medicinal chemistry research.