Used primarily as an intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It serves as a brominating agent and is valuable in stereochemical studies due to the presence of both racemic and meso isomers, allowing comparison of reactivity in substitution and elimination reactions. Commonly employed in laboratory settings to demonstrate principles of stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms, such as SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 pathways. Also finds use in the preparation of alkenes through dehalogenation reactions.